Shirley Jean Jeter

Born on May 9, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Sam and Jean Comparetto, Shirley was raised in Florida and graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa in 1966. At the young age of 13, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Jeter, when their paths crossed at a local hobby store where she was cleaning the windows. Their sweet beginning led to a lifelong love, and they were married on November 10, 1968.

Together, Shirley and Bill raised three children, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Shirley dedicated much of her life to serving children and her community. She began her career as a preschool teacher and later became the special events coordinator for the City of Port Orange. She went on to work with several nonprofit organizations and retired as Director of the Children’s Home Society, a role that reflected her deep compassion and tireless advocacy for children and families.

Shirley’s zest for life was evident in the things she loved most—camping, sailing aboard their cherished sailboat Southern Rain and its dinghy Sprinkle, as well as time spent on their powerboat, Island Sol. She was a proud member of the Pilot Club, a professional organization of executive women devoted to community service.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Bill Jeter; her children Rick (Emily) Jeter and their children Maya, Alex, Liam, and Anna; Joanna (George) Walters and their son Justin; and Kelly (Tom) Redmond and their children Austin, Ashlynn, and Katelynn. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings Denise, Michael, and Rusty Comparetto, and Linda Fernandez, along with many other loving relatives and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to The Foundation for Frontotemporal Dementia.