Delores J Christ, age 87, a Atoka, OK resident. She was born on Wednesday, April 13, 1938, to Emmet and Catherine Marie (Mertes) Cave, at Newtown Township, IL. Delores passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Durant, OK.
She attended Cornell High School in Illinois with a class the size of thirteen. She later attended Illinois Valley Community College, where she became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Delores worked for Owens of Illinois Glass Factory and was a CNA for numerous nursing homes. She married Roger Dean Christ on July 18th, 1978 in Ottawa, Illinois.

Delores enjoyed bowling, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.  She attended Atoka First Freewill Baptist Church of Atoka, and will be missed by many of her church family.

Delores is survived by her children, Russell and Katy Shirley of Pflutterville, TX, Dennis and Alicia Shirley of Hockley, TX, Cynthia and Ronald Gall of Katy, TX, Kevin and Connie Shirley of Atoka, OK; sister, Peggy Marshal of Streator, IL; brother, Virgil and Janice Cave of Dana, IL. Numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Delores is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Christ; parents, Emmet and Catherine Marie (Mertes) Cave; brothers, Henry Cave, Emmett Cave Jr., Ronnie Cave, Orville Cave, George Cave; sisters, Rose Willard, Virginia Ondre; father of her children, Larry Shirley.

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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Saturday, February 14th, 2026
PLACE OF SERVICES: First Atoka Freewill Baptist Church, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Bro. Vic Cook
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Travis Gowen, Christina Gowen, Rachell Henderson, Tessa Weeden, Mckenzie Simmons, Mavrick Simmons, Michael Akinson.

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK