Shirley Rae Taylor Lafon

Shirley Rae Taylor LaFon, age 92, died peacefully in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 13, 2026, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. She was an extraordinary daughter, sister, nurse, mother, and friend. Shirley never met a stranger—she could strike up a conversation with anyone she encountered—and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shirley was born on March 3, 1933, in Lebanon, Indiana, where her parents farmed the land and operated a dairy farm known as the Taylor Home Place (established in 1837). She graduated from Dover High School and went on to earn a three-year Registered Nurse diploma from the Indianapolis General Hospital School of Nursing. Shirley worked for many years as an OB nurse and concluded her nursing career as Head Nurse of the Mental Health Unit in Panama City, Florida.

In 1953, Shirley married Clarence Edwin “Ed” LaFon, a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force. She was widowed in 1963 at the age of 30, while pregnant with her third child, and went on to raise her three children as a single mother. She never remarried.

Shirley remained in Panama City, Florida, from 1963 to 2005, choosing to stay in the warm climate near Tyndall Air Force Base to provide stability and opportunity for her children. Each summer, she took a leave from her nursing job to bring her children to the family farm in Indiana—an annual highlight that allowed them to experience the changing seasons and build deep relationships with their grandparents and extended family.

A devoted caretaker, Shirley later moved her parents to Panama City when their health began to decline and also helped her sister-in-law, Christine LaFon Dailey, receive care during her illness.

In 2005, Shirley moved to Sun City Center, Florida, where she lived until 2022 in the Kings Point retirement community near her son Mark. In 2022, she relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, to be

closer to her daughter Michele. She initially lived in assisted living and later transitioned to skilled nursing as her dementia progressed.

Shirley was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She served as PTA president during her children’s elementary school years, was a Girl Scout troop leader, served on the altar

guild at church, was a board member of the Gold Star Wives Club for widowed military spouses, served as secretary of her neighborhood association, and volunteered in many other capacities.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Shirley was an active member of Pleasant View Church in Lebanon, Indiana; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida; and Calvary Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Florida. Plans for remembrances are being discussed with each church, with dates to be determined.

A family remembrance service is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Edwin “Ed” LaFon; her parents, Madge and Lester Taylor; and her brother, Edward Taylor (Nickie). She is survived by her three children: Mark (Angela), Michele (Libbye), and Marcia; five grandchildren: David (Caroline), Matthew (Jessica), Anthony (Novi), Martha (Haris), and Collin (Kaci); and six great-grandchildren: Margaret, Anderson, Liam, Logan, Amal, and Mehmed.

Shirley will be laid to rest beside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. A graveside service will be held once a burial date is provided by Arlington National Cemetery.

Someone is never truly gone until they are no longer remembered.

Those wishing to honor Shirley’s memory may consider a donation in her name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. LBDA Donation Please select “Add a dedication” and note that the gift is in memory of Shirley LaFon.