Shirley Lyon Leader

Shirley Lyon Leader passed away at the age of 94 on November 3, 2026 in Birmingham, AL. She was born May 24, 1932 in Haleyville, Alabama to Margaret and Sam Lyon. She was married to her loving husband Jerome (Jerry) Leader on November 7, 1954 in Nashville, Tennessee. They were married for 70 years.

She attended high school in Nashville and college at the University of Michigan and then moved to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where she met the love of her life, Jerry. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama where they raised two sons, Scott and Hugh and later raised their two granddaughters, Jenny and Olivia.

Shirley was a talented cook, baker, and caterer. During the holidays she would bake hundreds of cookies and sweets for companies, organizations, and friends who cherished the delivery every year. Some other interests and hobbies included enjoyable but competitive rounds of golf with girlfriends. She also never had too many hands of cards that she didn’t like. In her 50’s she developed quite an eye for fashion in both men’s and women’s clothing. When there was an occasion to celebrate regardless of size, she loved to host and never missed an opportunity to step up and entertain family and friends from far and wide.

Above all, Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she dedicated much of her life to caring for those she loved. She possessed a quiet strength and a natural instinct to take care of others.

Shirley is survived by her son Hugh Leader (Deanna), her grandchildren Jenny Leader Steel (David), Olivia Leader, and Connor McVey. She is also survived by her sister Linda Friedman of Portland, Oregon and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Jerome (Jerry), son Scott, sisters Betty Berkowitz and Lois Harris.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, strength, and cherished memories that will live on through the family and friends whose lives she touched.

Graveside services will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 10am. A memorial service at Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 will immediately follow. Please join the family for a shiva luncheon following services.

A special thank you to some wonderful and caring people at Danberry of Inverness over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El Grafman Endowment Fund in Birmingham, AL, Collat Jewish Family Services, or to a charity of your choice.