Shirley Vetter Early

Shirley was born on July 25, 1931, in Evanston, IL to the late George R. Vetter and Gertrude D. Vetter. She moved to Jacksonville, FL as a young child. Shirley graduated in 1949 from Landon High School and attended Newberry College until her father’s passing. She returned home and worked for Southern Bell. Shirley married Irvine Early on April 14, 1956, and enjoyed being a homemaker once their children came along. She was a longtime member of Riverside Park United Methodist Church, serving in several capacities. After Irvine’s retirement in 1992, they enjoyed spending the Summers and Falls at their cabin in Balsam, NC. They also traveled with friends to many places including Alaska, Nova Scotia, Europe, and all over the US.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and infant son. She is survived by her children, Baxter Early (Connie), Lynn Brown (Danny); grandchildren, Kyleigh, and Gabriel Brown; nieces and nephews, Paul Hardison, Carol Hardison, Ann Davison (Jim), Melissa Hardison, Alexander Bowyer, as well as several cousins and many dear friends. The family would also like to thank Casey Knight and Liz Alsobrook for helping care for Shirley during the last 15 months.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hardage-Giddens Legacy Lodge, with a service at 11:00 am followed by interment at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 819 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Crisis Assistance Ministries, 500-A Spratt St, Charlotte, NC 28206, or a charity of your choice.