Shirley Ann Olson

Shirley was born and raised in Butler, Alabama and was the beloved daughter of Zaddie Bertha Skelton and Fred James Skelton. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Lawrence (Larry) V. Olson; her siblings Ray Skelton, Carrie Cleveland, Ruth Pitts and her parents.

After graduating, Shirley moved to Chicago, where she proudly worked as an assistant to the CEO at a major medical corporation. It was there she met the love of her life, Larry. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work. They raised their children in the Chicago area before relocating to Georgia, where they established and ran a successful family business. Shirley took great pride in all that she and Larry accomplished together—both as partners in business and as devoted parents and grandparents.

She is survived by her five devoted children: Mark Erick Olson and his wife Elizabeth, John Ryan Olson and his wife Elizabeth, Ruth Olson-Harris, David Olson and his wife Gina, Robert Olson and his wife Nina. Shirley was a proud and loving grandmother to her eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished brothers, Fred Skelton Jr. and James Skelton, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Shirley’s passing was a sudden and profound loss to all who knew her. A woman of unwavering Christian faith, she lived a life of devotion to God and to those around her. She was a faithful follower of Christ and an example of quiet strength, compassion, and grace. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did, and it showed in the way she loved, served, and cared for her family and friends. She found peace and joy in the reading of Scripture, prayer, and simply being surrounded by those she loved.

Shirley was the heart of her family—a nurturing mother, supportive wife, and doting grandmother. Her quiet strength, wisdom, and warmth were constants in the lives of all who knew her. She found her greatest joy in family gatherings, where her presence was both grounding and uplifting.

Though her passing was unexpected, Shirley’s legacy of love, faith, and perseverance lives on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A private funeral will be held with family to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider a donation in her memory to Family Promise of North Fulton. https://www.familypromisenfd.org/donate