Shirley Yvonne Pyron Woods - Walker Funeral Home

Shirley Yvonne Pyron Woods was born in Cordell Township, Oklahoma to Leslie “Les” Napoleon Pyron and Iva Ilama “Mamo” Hyde, April 21, 1931. Her early childhood was spent in Cloud Chief, an obscure farming community, now a ghost town. At age seven she moved to Cordell with her parents and her beloved younger sister, Patty LaRue. Imagine the girls delight in the flush toilets of town after having no electricity or running water in the country. Shirley received her primary education at a local school that served students grades 1-12. She excelled in her studies but felt so sad to see that some of her classmates couldn’t afford shoes.

The genesis of her deep seeded patriotism began as she observed home-grown men line up to enlist in military service for WWII. During these turbulent years Shirley moved with her family to Compton, California. Soon after completing high school, she married Fred Emmett Woods III in 1949. These two 18-year-old young lovers spent the following 63 years together until Fred’s passing in 2012. They had two children, Karie Susan and Fred “Guy” Emmett Woods IV, born in 1953 and 1956. Shirley and Fred lived mostly in San Gabriel and Temple City, California. Following their retirements, they moved to Salem, Utah to be closer to family where they enjoyed the best years of their lives together.

Shirley was commonly regarded as the most popular in her neighborhood by children and adults alike. She cared to learn everyone’s names and keep abreast of their interests and activities. But her popularity increased to adoration status within her family circles. Shirley cultivated the gift to deeply love others. Her husband cherished her and her children, their spouses, and grandchildren each felt they were the world to her. Clearly God and family were her priorities although she was always very involved in her communities, including service as a PTA president and bank manager for Bank of America. Her exceptional service resulted in her being voted Best Bank of America Bank Manager of Southern California.

People flocked to Shirley because she possessed genuine interest and love in everyone she met. She is famous for joyfully “celebrating” life each day. Her mantra verse was Psalms 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Shirley Woods left a powerful legacy of faith, love and service to family, church, and community that will endure.

Shirley had a stroke in the spring of 2018 resulting in her spending most of the last four years in a memory care facility. Even in her disabled condition she continued to lift and love those around her and was known as a bright light at the facility. At age 90, she passed away peacefully due to respiratory failure in Springville, Utah, January 20, 2022. She is survived by her two children, their spouses (Sal Nuccio and JoAnna Merrill Woods) as well as six grandchildren and a dozen great grandchildren.

Only private family services will be held due to Covid. However, a livestream for the service will be provided for everyone else to participate. For a live broadcast of the funeral services for Shirley, please use the following link, available shortly prior to 10:30 a.m. Saturday: https://youtu.be/2Pxi5USi4eM

The Woods family luncheon will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse, 2379 East 1100 South, Springville, Utah, following the Interment.

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10 Condolences for Shirley Yvonne Pyron Woods

Condolences(10)

Jeff and Sheryl DeNaughel says

January 22, 2022 at 1:24 am

Shirley was a sweet and loving friend to our family. From dress ups, ball games, choir programs, and visiting to ‘Love Presents’. She made each of us feel loved. We have fond memories of both her and Fred. We are so happy that she is reunited with her sweetheart, Fred. We express much appreciation and love to Karie, Guy and all of their family. Thank you for sharing Shirley and Fred with our family!

Jenn Anderson says

January 22, 2022 at 3:10 am

I used to work at Salem Hills Pharmacy and had the honor of getting to know Shirley. She was one of the kindest most sincere people I have ever had the honor of knowing. My kids also adored her and loved going to visit grandma Shirley and playing dress ups and eating treats. The relationship her and Fred shared was so sweet to witness. I know she missed him greatly and can only imagine the beautiful reunion that was had between them. ❤️

REPLY
RANDY B HANKS says
January 22, 2022 at 10:23 pm

So sorry I loved her

Sondra Dailey says

January 22, 2022 at 4:35 pm

God made a very special person in Shirley. What a terrific personality! Loving & caring soul who was a real extrovert. We had moved to Payson in August of 2003 and in November I met her at a nail salon. By chance (or maybe not), we started talking sports. She was the first gal I’d ever known who subscribed to Sports Illustrated. We just bonded! She invited me to a Bible study group she was having. Fred eventually tagged us ‘the gurus’.
She was very knowledgeable about the Bible because she cared so much for our loving Jesus Christ & wanted to tell everyone about him & eternal salvation. I know she’s doing her Happy Dance with him right now. She will be greatly missed by many. I loved her.

Jackson Marshman says

January 23, 2022 at 12:41 am

I will forever be grateful to Shirley for the love she gave me. She was a grandmother to me and was a big part of my life growing up. She got me my first job, and would take me to dinner at least once a month. What a wonderful human being and it was truly a pleasure to have known her. She made life here on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you Shirley. I love you and I’ll miss you!

Marva Moore Wolf. says

January 23, 2022 at 1:54 am

Sending my condolences to Kerry and Guy. I know all
Of your memories will bring you comfort.

REPLY
Fred E. Woods says
January 25, 2022 at 9:03 pm

Thanks so much. We love you! The link to the funeral will be live on Saturday, January 29th at 10:30 (MST). Here is the link: https://walkermemorials.com/obituary/shirley-yvonne-pyron-woods/ Please share it with others you think may be interested. Love, Guy

Jocelyn Marshman says

January 23, 2022 at 3:49 pm

To Shirley’s beautiful family, I send my heartfelt condolences. She loved you all so dearly but the very best thing about that is that each of you knew it. We all have such wonderful, treasured memories of a great lady. I never met anyone with such pure faith and knowledge that she would one day meet her Savior. So now that that day is here I pictures this….When she arrived at the pearly gates, there was no St Peter to meet her but Jesus himself. The two of them did a simultaneous TA DA, then a nice long happy dance. After that, Jesus sat down with Shirley and said, “now let’s go over all those questions you have for me”. I like to think they are still chewing on those questions right now. On behalf of Shirley I say, Today is the day the Lord has made, let us REJOICE and be glad in it. Amen.

KyLynn & Josh says

January 28, 2022 at 10:46 pm

TA DA!!! Shirley had the ability to light up any room the moment she entered. Her sweet spirit will be so missed, but I know that she is so happy to be with her Fred.

Kathy Waller wayt says

January 31, 2022 at 12:37 am

Guy and Kerry- the Waller kids loved your mom like she was our mom! When Shirley, Betty, Liz and our mom, Joyce got together you knew it was gonna be a good time! Memories of pot lucks at temple city c of c in the 60s feels like it was yesterday. Bless you all as we celebrate the beautiful person your mom was.

Shirley Yvonne Pyron Woods April 21, 1931 - January 20, 2022

For a live broadcast of the funeral services for Shirley, please use the following link, available shortly prior to 10:30 a.m. Saturday:

https://youtu.be/2Pxi5USi4eM

Private Family Services only, please.

Thank you.

10 Condolences for Shirley Yvonne Pyron Woods