Shirley attended Howard School and was the Salutatorian of the class of 1955. She received her B.S. and M.A. degrees from Peabody College. She enjoyed a 34-year career with Metro Nashville schools as a teacher and librarian. She found pleasure in sports, the beach, fashion, and adventure, traveling to 53 countries around the globe.
Shirley was a lifelong member of the church of Christ. She first worshipped at Lindsley Avenue, where she met her future husband, Zane. They were married in 1962 by minister Ira North. She last worshipped with the Brentwood Hills congregation, where she enjoyed the Sonseekers class and the Tuesday Ladies Bible class. She last resided at MorningPointe of Brentwood, where she coordinated Poetry Nights for several years.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM. Burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery will follow the service, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brentwood Hills Church of Christ or the Nashville Inner City Ministry.