Celia Ethel Birdwell

Celia Ethel Birdwell was born July 25, 1935, Pine Bluff, Ark. and passed away April 24, 2012 at her home in Garland, Texas. She was always active in the youth and music programs of the church. She and her husband enjoyed many years of traveling and square dancing. Celia graduated from Pine Bluff High School in Pine Bluff, Ark. and majored in sociology and music at the Ouachita Baptist Church University in Arkadelphia, Ark. She was a member of Heritage Church of Dallas. She is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, John H. Birdwell and her parents, Charles and Norma Ellison Atkinson. Celia is survived by children, Dr. Becky Shermis (Mark) of Canton, Ohio, Teresa Joerger (James) of Dallas, Texas, Michael Porier (Emily) of Katy, Texas; stepchildren, Donald Birdwell and Gary Birdwell; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. She is also survived by Charlene Bums (Kenneth) of Conway, Ark., Dr. Curtis Atkinson (Roma) of Jonesboro, Ark. and John Atkinson (Catherine) of White Hall, Ark. The family wishes to thank Golden Heritage Hospice Services and Caring Companions. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.