Shirley Jean McGill

Shirley was born in Harriman, Tennessee in 1935. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Shirley worked for years as a physical therapist at Fort Sanders Hospital and then for various Chiropractors. Later in life she moved with her husband, Sam, to the University of the Cumberlands, where she raised funds for the university and its special programs, until they retired and returned to Knoxville in the late 1990s to be with their family.

Shirley is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Sammy Lee McGill, as well as her parents, Jean Curbow Honeycutt and Jewell Honeycutt. She is survived by her devoted son, Timothy Alan McGill (Pamela Courtney McGill), as well as children Karen McGill Rose (Mark Rose), Katie McGill Justice (Robert Smith), and Terrence Lee McGill (Bridget Wiley McGill). She was the beloved grandmother of Tabetha McGill Colangione (Jonathan Colangione), Maddox Ciroula (Ellen Rideout), Anna McGill (Krista Barrett), Camryn-John Ciroula, Courtney Irvine, and Greyson Ballard, as well as Scott McGill, Josh Watson, Lindsey Smith Cole, Randi Hurst Helton, Eric Smith, and Emily McGill and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins Sherry Sumpter and Billy Joe Shannon (June), and brother-in-law Alan McGill (Angela).

Mom had four children, but she had dozens of kids that would call her mom. Our doors were always open to any of our friends, and many would take Mom as their own. She loved to dance and was an avid roller-skater into her forties.

In her later years, Shirley was supported and cared for by her son Tim. It was the best time of my life with my parents. I got to spend four nights a week with them and spent hours talking and relearning about Mom and Dad. She was also cared for by her granddaughter Tabetha, granddaughter, confidant, and best friend Courtney, and the congregation at Alice Bell Baptist Church, where she has been a long-standing member. She was also supported by dear friends Elmer Grimes and Joyce Jones. Special thanks to Sherron Hutsell for the Wednesday night dinners, especially the Spaghetti dinners.

Like her signature pink lipstick, Mamaw brought brightness and color into the lives of everyone she knew. She will be greatly missed. The hugs and the kisses that were given will be missed the most. As a 58-year-old little boy, I always got my pink lipstick goodbye kiss. All I can say is give your mom a hug and kiss today, because you never know when it may be your last.

Graveside services will be held at Berry Highland South, 1:00pm on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 with a viewing prior, 11:45am-12:45pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alice Bell Baptist Church building fund by calling 865-522-0137.