Bettie Caroline Shirley

Born on June 10, 1935, Carolyn lived a life rooted in grace, service, and devotion to her community, family, and God.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Morrow for almost 70 years where she served on numerous committees and sang in the Silvertones Senior Adult Choir.

In her younger years, Carolyn was active in many community organizations including local chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she held various leadership positions, and the Morrow Junior Women's Club. During her time with the Morrow Junior Women's Club, Carolyn helped to establish the Morrow Branch of the Clayton County Library System which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Carolyn retired from the Clayton County Sheriff's department in 1993 after 31 years of dedicated service as a Warrant Officer. Mrs. Shirley had the distinction of becoming the first female Warrant Officer in the state of Georgia and was named Law Woman of the Year for Clayton County in 1973 and 1974.

In her retirement, she enjoyed baking, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, reading, completing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and traveling - especially to the beach. She also continued her community service by volunteering as a poll worker during local elections, as a mentor at elementary schools in Morrow, and supporting Habitat for Humanity projects in Georgia alongside her husband and church.

Carolyn was welcomed into the heavenly gates by her beloved husband of 66 years, Buck Shirley, and great grandson Hayden Henderson. She is survived by daughters Lynn Henderson, Laurie Shirley, and LaRee DePaolo (Bob), grandchildren Nicholas Henderson (Heather), Kelly Saxby (Patrick), Kyle Henderson (Samantha), and Meredith Hasty (Zane), and seven great grandchildren, Levi Henderson, Kase Henderson, Knox Henderson, Shirley Kate Saxby, Sutton Saxby, Shepard Saxby, and Harrison Flowers, who brought immense joy to her life.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Home in Morrow, Georgia. The family will receive guests from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to Caring For a Cause at caringforacausega.org.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)