Shirley Jackson Shirley

Shirley Jackson Shirley, 71, of Dawsonville passed away Friday May 6, 2011 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a sudden illness.

Born April 27, 1940 in Hunnington, Arkansas to the late George and Freida Jackson, she had lived in Dawson County over 30 years having moved from Pickens County. A homemaker at her death, Shirley was formerly employed as a certified nursing assistant where she worked in the home health field. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she was also preceded in death by her sons, Leslie Shirley, J. L. "Bird" Shirley; daughter, Rhonda Mae Padgett; granddaughter, Brittany Mae Whitt; sister, Bernice Dristrip; and brother, Leon Jackson.

Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Lester Shirley, Dawsonville; children, Maria and Larry Revella, Liberty, Missouri, Bobby Joe Shirley, Dawsonville, Debbie Whitt, Dawsonville, Penny and Kenneth Evans, Dawsonville, Candice K. and Wayne Neighbours, Dawsonville, Kelly and Jordan Reece, Gainesville, Carmen Shirley, Bethlehem, Jamie Shirley, Gainesville; brother, Joe Jackson, Mansfield, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a number of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Monday May 9, 2011 at 2 o'clock at Bethel Baptist Church. Rev. Bobby Whitmire and Rev. Huey Holloway will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 9 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.