Shirley was born December 21, 1952 in the old Jesup hospital. She spent her early life with her parents, Paul M. and Hazel Sawyer Grimsley, in McIntosh County then moved to Brunswick in 1959. As a young girl, Shirley worked at her parents clothing store, then at a drug store in downtown Brunswick. She was a member of the first graduating class at Brunswick High, class of 1970, and attended Brunswick Jr. College. Shirley was a pioneering leader of women in business. She owned many painting and wall papering businesses and eventually started Coastal Maintenance, servicing hundreds of customers and decorators on St. Simons Island. She will be remembered for her skill of wallpapering, something she always loved to do. Many homes on St. Simons Island and Sea Island have wallpaper hung by Shirley.
In addition to her parents, her sister, Jan Clarke (Tom) preceded her in death.
Shirley is survived by her brother, Gary Grimsley (Jane) of Hortense; two nephews, Gary Scott (Marcie) of Waynesville and Timothy (Kim) of Hortense; great-nephew Sawyer Grimsley; great-nieces, Farrah Grimsley and Amber Dotson; an adopted niece, Kaitlyn Dobay (Matt) of Coco Beach, FL and friend and caregiver, Lynn Drew (Robert) of Jesup.
Services will be held in the Chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral home on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Interment in Chapel Park Cemetery will be private. Pallbearers will be Scott Grimsley, Sawyer Grimsley, Matthew Dobay, Skip Hagey, Robert Drew and Chuck Thrower. Honorary pallbearers will be Timothy Grimsley and Dale Higginbotham.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Golden Isles for the excellent care provided to Shirley and her family/caregiver during her time of need.
