Shirley Shapiro

Mrs. Shapiro was born to the late Emmanuel and Rose Sawilowsky in Augusta, GA and was the youngest child of her siblings. She was a member of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue and served in many different capacities. In her younger years, she was awarded Woman of the Year multiple times and also was involved in the Sisterhood. She continued her service through the years, and also was a teacher for Chevra Kadisha. Her greatest joy was showing the beauty of Judaism that her mother and grandmother passed on to her, and she passed on these traditions to her children, grandchildren and generations to come. Mrs. Shapiro was known for her giving nature and was a firm believer in charity to others. She gave consistently to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. MeMe was passionate about making sure her nails and also her hair was done every two weeks. MeMe also was an avid fan of UGA.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Shapiro longed for the day to be reunited with her husband, Norman Shapiro. She is also preceded in death by her son, Julius Shapiro; and siblings, Ruth Simkin, Jack Sawilowsky and Milton Sawilowsky. Survivors include her children, Rachel Cowley (Peter) and Michael Shapiro (Derindia); grandchildren, Erica McKinney (Andy), Montana Kennedy (Ethan), Rebecca Pearlson (Johnathan), Manny Shapiro, Elizabeth Shapiro, Josh Shapiro and Lee Shapiro; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Blaire Rose McKinney, Cody Ridge Kennedy, Judah Pearlson, Levi Pearlson, Eva Pearlson and another great-granddaughter who is on the way.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm, Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Magnolia Cemetery with Rabbi Sirull officiating. Pallbearers who will honor MeMe are Manny Shapiro, Josh Shapiro, Lee Shapiro, Joel Shapiro, Louis Shapiro, Harry Shapiro, Ivan Bolgla and Charlie Levy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eunice Levine Kitchen Fund at Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Road, Augusta, GA 30904.