Derlene (Short) Whitman

Derlene Short Whitman born in Erick, Oklahoma December 6, 1945 went to be with our Lord on December 2, 2021. Derlene is preceded in death by her father William Odis Short; mother Lela Grace Short, brothers Alvin Short and Joe Short, and son Ricky McCullin.

Derlene is survived by her brother Ronnie Short and wife Lovera Short of Amarillo Texas. Three children Cammy Brzostowski and husband Mark Brzostowski, James McCullin and wife Susan McCullin of Kemah Texas, and Larraine Martinez of Texas City Texas.

She also had six grandchildren Brandan Schumacher and wife Samantha Schumacher, Ashley Brzostowski and partner Jessie Corrigeux, Jessie Harrell, Cheryl Harrell, Chelsea Brzostowski McCarthy and husband Sean McCarthy, Jeramie Martinez and 7 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10am-7pm on Friday December 10, 2021 and Saturday December 11, 2021 from 9am-11am at LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw 8310 S Coulter Rd Amarillo Texas 79119.

Funeral will be at graveside at noon on Saturday December 11, 2021 at Llano Cemetery off of 2900 S Hayes St Amarillo Texas 79013.

Thank you everyone for being here today. We have come together to honor, celebrate, and remember the life of Derlene Whitman. She was a woman of grace and courage, with a stubborn streak that showed up when she set her mind to something, like going out to garage and estate sales and finding treasures in which she loved.

Derlene was born December 6, 1945 in Erick Oklahoma to Odis and Grace Short. She was the third born with two older brothers Alvin and Joe and one younger brother Ronnie. Eventually her family moved to Amarillo where later in her life she would marry and have her three children Cammy, James, and Larraine.

Derlene was truly the best mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend anyone could ask for. We don’t know how she did it, but Derlene always found the perfect balance between work and home. Even though she worked many hours a week to support her family, she prioritized her care and love for her three children Cammy, James, and Larraine. Her love and kindness were infused in everything she did, whether she was cooking a meal for family or stopping and helping others that were less fortunate.

Some of her fondest memories as a child were playing with her brothers. Her favorite was when she would make mud pies with her brother Ronnie. She loved Christmas and everything that it entailed. She would start usually in June preparing and getting things ready for the holiday season. Buying presents, decorations, wrapping paper, and reaching out to “Santa” to make sure her children and grand babies got everything they could want. She loved the snow, decorations in the neighborhoods, and the whole feel of the Christmas season. So it makes so much more sense to why she was born and returned to the lord during December.

Throughout her life she overcame many different obstacles including a major car accident at the age of 2, typhoid fever at the age of 4, breast cancer in her mid 30s. Despite those hardships and many more that did not stop Derlene from perusing her passion and love of taking care of others. She pursued the career of a Nurse Assistant where she worked at St. Anthony’s Hospital for many years in Amarillo, Texas. Later she moved to San Antonio and Kemah Texas to be with her children and grandchildren where she continued to work as a Nurse Assistant.

Derlene loved to spend time with her family, travel, go to garage and estate sales. She owned a store with her daughter Larraine. She loved to cook and sneaking her grandbabies and great grand babies' goodies. Derlene lived for her family. Anytime she heard of an accomplishment, she always wanted to know every detail. No matter how little or how big she was always so proud.

She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into the room. No one who met her could forget her smile or laughter. I know we will never forget the fond memories in which she has made with each and every one of us during our time with her. Her wisdom and love will forever guide the decisions we all make through the rest of our lives.