Our mother, Shirley Mitchell Gober, passed away after a long battle with dementia. She spent her last ten years at Villages at Cook Springs, where the staff cared for her with the same kindness and gentleness she had shown others all her life. They loved her, and she loved them right back.
Shirley was born and raised in the Blue Mountain community of Anniston, Alabama, a place that stayed in her heart no matter where life took her. Later in life, she reconnected with her childhood boyfriend, Leland Gober, and the two of them enjoyed traveling together before settling down near Anniston. Their story was one of coming full circle — two people who found their way back to each other after so many years.
She was a devoted Christian, a simple and steady woman, and a mother who would do anything for her children. She leaves behind her sister Louise, her five children — Jackie (Debra), Debbie (Ronnie), Dana (Steve), Greg (Gina), and Lance — along with eight grandchildren (Matt, Jesse, Bo, Andy, Ashley, Heath, Casey and Brody) and sixteen great-grandchildren who brought her joy throughout her life.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Leland, her parents, Nellie Mae and John Landers, her brothers Kirby, Euel, and Esker.
Her funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Randy Hagan, whose message will honor her faith, her kindness, and the love she shared with everyone around her.
She was loved by many, and her legacy is simple and strong: love your family, treat people right, and keep your faith close. Her kindness, her quiet strength, and the way she made people feel cared for will stay with all of us.
