Shirley Francis Ojala, aged 74, passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2025 at her home in Grayson, Georgia. She was born on March 11, 1951 in Atlanta, GA to Bobby and Betty Francis. She was a resident of Grayson and a 1969 graduate of Cross Keys High School in Brookhaven and then Georgia Baptist Nursing School. She worked as an outstanding NICU nurse at Dekalb Medical for 36 years. She had a cosmetology degree before nursing and continued to enjoy providing services for many friends and family for her entire life.
She is survived by her long time loving partner, Jeff Fortenberry; Daughter, Cassie Campbell Pitts (Eric Pitts); Grandchildren, Finley, Wesley, Taryn and Elise Graham; siblings, James Francis (Debbie), John Francis and Patricia Walker.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Shirley Ojala Scholarship Fund at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University.
Those wishing to make a gift in Shirley’s memory may give online at http://www.mercer.edu/give and indicate that the gift is for the Shirley Ojala Scholarship. For additional information or assistance, contact Paul McClendon at 678-547-6453 or [email protected]
A Visitation will be held at H. M. Patterson & Son - Arlington Chapel 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs GA 30328 on Friday, August 15th at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. An inurnment at Arlington Memorial Park. 201 Mt. Vernon Hwy NW. Sandy Springs GA 30328 will immediately follow the funeral service.
