Shirley Stakely Seibert

Shirley Stakely Seibert, born May 20, 1946, died peacefully in her home on Friday, August 11, 2023 surrounded by her family after her second battle with cancer. She was a 1964 graduate of Lakeview High School.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James Lee Stakely; her parents, Charles Jack and Imogene Griffith Kornas; grandmother, Rose Warren Griffith Lee and grandfather, Henry Lee Griffith.

Surviving is her husband of 4 years, John Seibert; her sons, James Tracy Stakely (Cheri) of Columbia, SC and Stephen Michael Stakely of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Bryson James Stakely and granddaughter, Isabella Grace Stakely of Columbia, SC; stepson, John Seibert (Denise) and stepdaughter, Suzi Martin (John) of Pennsylvania; sisters, Debbie Kornas Goode (Doug) and Kathy Kornas Sims (Larry) of Chattanooga, TN and brother, Mike Kornas (Melody) of Ringgold, GA; sister-in-laws, Melgena Davis, Glenda Defriese and Vivian McMahan; brother-in-laws, Robert Stakely (Margaret), Melvin Stakely (Darlene), Charles Stakely (Joyce) and Mitchell Stakely; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dearest friend, Elsie Overturf Bell.

She had been a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church since 1986. During those years she sang in the choir, taught 5th grade boys Sunday school class and helped with the Special Friends Sunday School Class during Vacation Bible School. Her talent was decorating and she used that talent by serving on the decorating committee. She was a member of the Servants Sunday School Class.

She had been employed as a cosmetologist before becoming a stay at home mom. She worked later at Provident Insurance and Collegedale Case Works.

It would be wrong to say that Shirley lost her battle, because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Shirley stayed strong. Through her we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit to Shirley. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bryson Stakely, Grant Dillard, Jason Sims, Justin Sims, Mark Dillard, Charlie Ritchey, Eric Masterson and Zack England.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Servants Sunday School Class and Special Friends Sunday School Class.

Thanks to TN Oncology and Hearth Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prader- Willi Syndrome Association, 1032 Brandon Blvd. #4744, Brandon, FL 33511 (www.PWSAUSA.org) or Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.