Shirley Mae Proctor

She was born in Bessemer, AL on April 10, 1943 and was one of 7 children. After living in Green Pond, AL until she was 8 years old, her family moved to Ghouls/Naranja, FL where she lived and met her sweetheart Don. She graduated June 9th, 1961 and they were married the next day. They had a love that was rare and were married 64 years before Don’s passing on Nov 19th, 2025.

Shirley was a longtime employee of KMart (next to the Big Chicken) where she spent 30 years before finally retiring. She made many friends there who became like family. She didn’t have a lot of time for hobbies, but she loved to read. And when she wasn’t working, you could find her at the baseball field, softball field, or tennis court watching her grandchildren Aaron and Haley. They were her joy. Then came “the little ones”. That’s what her and Don called their great grandchildren Knox and Ryleigh Jo. She had a smile that could light up a room when she was around them.

Shirley had battled Alzheimer’s for several years and had late stage Alzheimer’s when she passed away. But, she would still occasionally ask where Don was. During the last few weeks before she passed, it was evident that she was ready to join him in heaven and continue what they had started 64 years ago.

She is survived by her daughter: Michele (Clay); grandson: Aaron (Kelsey); great grandchildren: Knox & Ryleigh Jo; granddaughter: Haley (Cassi); sisters: Norma, Betty

She is proceeded in death by her husband: Riley Donald Proctor; father: Henley Carroll; mother: Ada Mae Carroll; sisters: Bertie, Barbara; brothers: Gordon, Lavoid.

Although Shirley, Mom, MeeMaw is no longer here, we will always carry her memory in our hearts and know we will see her again one day.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America.

A visitation will be held on February 9, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 2000 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA, 30060-3759.

A chapel service will follow on February 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the same location.

The committal will take place on February 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm, also at Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery.

"To release you from my touch, is to know that you are now in the arms of Jesus and family."