Shirley was born and grew up in Crawford County, GA. She moved to Atlanta when she was 18 and then spent the next three decades living in Asheville, NC, Spartanburg, SC, and Memphis, TN, before returning to Crawford County in 1987. She remained in Crawford County, either Roberta or Musella, until the final six years of her life which were divided between Sharpsburg, GA, Atlanta, and Athens, GA.
Shirley was an adventurous and active individual. While married to George Gontero, you could find her in an elegant dress at formal occasions with well-known politicians like Tip O'Neill. But the next day, you could find her in blue jeans up to her ears in dirt planting a vegetable garden. Her life was filled with a never-ending series of projects and a lengthy line of friendships.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Hoke and Helen Bennett, her husband George Gontero, and her brother Hoke Bennett, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Betty Harris, and her two daughters, Cheryl Hortman English and Rhonda Hortman Qualls. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jordan Qualls, Brezny Weening, Madison English and Randall English, and three great grandchildren Ander Weening, Mila Weening and August Qualls.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Musella Baptist Church P.O. Box 56, Musella, GA 31066.
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