Shirley Geneva Allred

Shirley “Geneva” Allred, 87, lovingly known as Mama, Neever, and Nanny, passed away surrounded by love on April 25, 2025. Geneva was born in Wedowee, Alabama, on September 1, 1937, where she grew up working alongside her family in the cotton fields. In the eighth grade, Geneva left school to help support her family — one of her many lifelong acts of devotion.

After the passing of her father, Raymond Reaves, Geneva, her mother Maggie, and her four younger sisters moved to Atlanta, where she would go on to raise a large family of her own. She spent her days in the garden, cooking Southern meals, and making sure everyone around her was cared for.

Geneva was the proud mother of five children: Wayne Allred, Shirley Allen, Robin Allred, Collette Boswell, and Anthony Allred. She was a steady, loving presence not only for her children but also for her grandchildren—raising Angie and Brandy and opening her home to Jenna, Marissa, Crystal, Amanda, Justin, Dylan, Tommy and Chad at different times in their lives.

She faced many hardships with quiet strength, including the loss of her beloved husband, Cecil Allred. Even after his passing, Geneva continued to care for her family with deep devotion.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Allred; her son, Wayne Allred; her daughter, Shirley Allen; her mother, Maggie Hembree; her father, Raymond Reaves; her sister, Ann Aragon; Ancil Allred; her grandson, Dylan Allred; her grandson, Justin Allred

She is survived by her son, Robin Allred; daughter, Collette Boswell; son, Anthony Allred; her sister, Joyce Webb; her sister, Janet Newton; her sister, Pat Bates; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Geneva leaves behind a legacy of resilience, unconditional love, and selfless care. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her — and most of all by the family she poured her heart into every day of her life.