A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held 1:00 PM Monday, September 29, 2025 at Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Benning, GA according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA.
Shirley was raised as a young child in a coal mining camp and was truly a “coal miner’s daughter.” With nine older brothers and sisters, she had a large and loving family, and she cherished many fond memories of growing up in the mountains of Virginia.
She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1957, where she excelled academically and loved playing basketball. After graduation, Shirley moved to Munich, Germany, with her husband Ed and began their journey as a military family. Together they lived in Germany, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, Tacoma, Washington, and Columbus, Georgia. Shirley was a devoted homemaker and mother for many years before beginning a career with Montgomery Ward, where she loved her job, valued her co-workers, and earned several promotions. One of her greatest joys in life was being “Mamaw” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for cooking her famous fudge, lemon cakes, and barbecued chicken wings, which she delighted in making for them.
Shirley took great pride in her family, her home, and her collection of knickknacks. She enjoyed games, puzzles, reading, baseball, jewelry, and all things pretty. One of her favorite simple pleasures was sharing coffee breaks with her good friends. Shirley will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death her husband, Edward Eugene Elliott, Sr. They were married on November 15, 1956 and shared 52 years together until his passing on December 23, 2008. Shirley was also preceded in death by two sons, Edward E. Elliott, Jr. and James Darryl Elliott.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Elliott Malone (Harvey) of Molino, FL. five grandchildren and four bonus grandchildren, Christine M. O’Neill (Liam), Edward E. Elliott, III (Britney), Erica E. Elliott, Blake Bellamy (Brooke), Daryl Nicole Elliott, Megan Jean Elliott, Daniel Tripp, Jr. (Cassie), Sean Casey (Sarah) and Leah Kimerer (Ryan) six great grandchildren, Peta, Amy, Edward IV “Brody”, Lux, Lola, Rowan and Reagan. Shirley is survived by a very special companion, Jim McNeely. They spent many happy years together and probably played a million rounds of Yahtzee.
