Shirley Wells Robertson
September 21, 1947 – July 12, 2025

Shirley Wells Robertson, 77, passed away unexpectedly on July 12, 2025. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 21, 1947, she was the beloved daughter of Francis and Mabel Wells.

Shirley experienced profound loss early in life, with her mother passing away when she was just five and her father three years later. She and her older brother, Jerry Wells, were lovingly raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by their Aunt Lillian Callen.

A proud graduate of the University of Florida and lifelong member of the Gator Nation, Shirley earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education. Her deep compassion, patience, and dedication to others led her into a meaningful career in education. She began teaching special education in Fort Lauderdale, where her nurturing spirit and commitment to her students left a lasting impact.

During this time, Shirley met and married Norman Hedrick. With Norman came two beautiful daughters, Lisa (8) and Stephanie (4), whom Shirley embraced as her own. In 1973, they welcomed their son Cody. Two years later, the family moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, to be closer to Lisa and Stephanie and to provide a loving home for their young family. Their youngest son, Jason, was born there in 1977.

While raising her children, Shirley continued teaching, later working as a 6th grade teacher at Edneyville Elementary School, where she was beloved by students and colleagues alike.

In 1988, Shirley married Bruce Robertson. She moved with Cody and Jason to Bruce's home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where they began a new chapter as a blended family. With this union, Shirley became stepmother to Bruce's son, Calvin Robertson. Together, Shirley and Bruce shared 37 wonderful years of marriage, built on deep love, mutual respect, and a shared devotion to family.

Shirley was the loving mother of Cody Hedrick, Jason Hedrick (Rebecca Ruhland), Lisa McCall (Sam McCall), Stephanie Blackwell (Tommy Blackwell), and Calvin Robertson (Kate Robertson). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Taylor Hedrick, Jack Hedrick, Henry Hedrick, Spencer Robertson, Liam Robertson, Erica Dahm (Trevor Dahm), Sara Belcher (Thomas Belcher), Brandon McCall and Brittany McCall.

A devoted member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Shirley's faith was a source of strength, peace, and purpose throughout her life. Her quiet grace and unwavering belief shaped not only her own journey, but also the lives of those she served and supported.

Shirley's early loss of her parents instilled in her a lifelong determination to be the best mother she could be — a role she not only embraced but absolutely fulfilled. She was a mother and grandmother to anyone who needed one, and a true friend whose generosity knew no bounds.

Shirley was the most kind, generous, and nonjudgmental person you could ever meet. She was the sounding board for so many — a steady, compassionate presence who listened without judgment and always offered comfort. She was her family's rock — constant, selfless and full of grace.

Shirley will be missed by so many people, but she will always be present in the spirit of everyone she knew. There is a special place in heaven for her. As her grandson Jack put so simply: "Her heart was perfect."

A private family service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Dousman.

An open reception will follow in the church hall from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend the reception to share memories and celebrate Shirley's life.