Shirley Toole Spiers

Shirley Toole Spiers, 82, of Saint Simons died peacefully Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Born July 7, 1942 in Candler County, Georgia, Shirley was the daughter and youngest child of Oleta Johnson Toole and Cullen Albert Toole. Shirley was reared in Millen, Georgia, where she graduated Jenkins County High School. In Millen, Shirley met her true love, Dudley Newton Spiers Jr, who she was destined to spend over 63 joyous years.

Shirley later graduated from Georgia Southern, where she earned advanced degrees in education. Returning to her childhood home, Shirley began her journey as an educator. Shirley taught countless children in the Jenkins County Public Schools – all of whom she cherished – before she retired from Middle School education and accepted a position as an Associate Dean at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. It was in Chattanooga that Shirley led the City of Readers program, providing a children’s book to every child born in the Chattanooga area. This nationally recognized program was a source of quiet pride for Shirley. Soon after, she led an Arts and Education program over all of East Tennessee, fostering the growth of many artists who later achieved great renown.

Shirley and Newton later moved to the Golden Isles, residing on Saint Simons Island, where they attended Wesley Church and enjoyed the fellowship of numerous wonderful friends.

Shirley was known to so many for her easy smile, quick wit, and mellifluous drawl that welcomed so many to the community and her Church. Always the schoolteacher and ever devoted to her students, Shirley was always thrilled by the cards and calls of her students, celebrating their achievements and milestones.

Shirley took great pleasure in her sons, Jon Phillip and Jason Blaine, who always joked that their mother sent them to school every morning and then conducted school again each night over the dinner table. Shirley was rarely seen away from her beloved husband Newton.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents and her oldest brother, James William Toole, as well as by her youngest son, Dr. Jason Blaine Spiers. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Newton, her brother Franklin Albert, Jason’s widow Dr. Latessa Smith Spiers, her son Dr Jon Spiers and his wife, Dr. Dana Myers, and her grandchildren, Jackson, Mary Elizabeth, Reed, Sarah, Jon, and Margaret.

There will be a celebration of Shirley’s life at Wesley Church, Thursday, June 26, at 11AM. A graveside service will follow next week.

In honor of Shirley, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Church at Frederica. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com