Mattie Louise

Mcwhirter

​ Mattie Louise Woodard McWhirter went home to Jesus on September 5, 2021, surrounded by her three daughters and her faithful dog Injee .

​ Louise was born in Cleburne, Texas, on March 10, 1939, to Frank and Earline Woodard. She grew up playing with her brother Jimmy, who predeceased her in 2018, and their sister Sharo n. During her childhood, Louise attended Westside Church in Cleburne, and later married the love of her life, H. C. "Mickey" McWhirte r, in the same church on December 4, 1959. Louise and Mickey were blessed with three daughters: Valerie, Pamela, and Jill. While raising her family, Louise went back to school. She graduated in 1979 from Tarleton State University with honors and was abl e to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Louise taught one year in Rio Vista and Kindergarten for 20 years at Highland School south of Roscoe, Texas .

After retirement in 1998, Louise spent two years with her beloved husband Mickey, until his passing i n November 2000. Louise then worked as a substitute teacher and long-term reading teacher at J. P. Cowan School in Sweetwater, Texas . In addition to her brother Jimmy and her husband Mickey, Louise was preceded in death by her parents .

She leaves behind a loving family, all of whom loved her dearly: her sister Sharon Clark (husband Larry), and daughters Valerie Shoemaker (Kurt), Pamela Hamer (Mitchell), and Jill Sims (Vance). Also, grandchildren Nolan Cornutt (Krisha), Mitch Cornutt, Sam Cornutt (Lacie), Ka tie (Chris Hartman), Chase Sims (Molly), Clint Sims, Miriam Bracken (Jim), and Jaeger Shoemaker. In addition, Louise is survived by nine great-grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew .

A private graveside service will be held at Georges Creek Cemetery i n Glen Rose, Texas under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georges Creek Cemetery and to Hendrick Hospice of Abilene .