Shirley Elizabeth Kilgore Jones' Obituary
Funeral Service for Mrs. Shirley Elizabeth Kilgore Jones, 83, of Alexander City, will be Friday, March 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Donald DeLee and Rev. Larry Cummings will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at Radney Funeral Home. Burial will be in Valhalla Cemetery in Birmingham on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11:00 am. Bro Tom Woodfin will officiate the committal service.
Mrs. Jones, a beacon of kindness and faith, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024, at the age of 83 in Alexander City. Born on March 30, 1940, in Harpersville, AL, Shirley's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and creative soul.
Shirley's journey began as the cherished daughter of Dewey Pershing Kilgore and Sarah Katherine Kilgore. Her academic pursuits began at UAB before they led her to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Pensacola Christian College, a field where she would leave an indelible mark through her many years as a dedicated school teacher. Shirley's passion for nurturing young minds was paralleled only by her devotion to her faith. As a faithful member of West End Baptist Church, she served with love, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Her commitment to her faith extended beyond her local community as she touched lives across Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida through her work as a retired Awana Missionary.
Beyond her professional and spiritual contributions, Shirley was a wellspring of creativity. She found joy in scrap booking and sketching, capturing memories and moments with a delicate touch. Her artistic talents were further expressed through painting, a hobby that brought her and others great pleasure. Shirley's enthusiasm for life was evident in her love for sports, cheering with vigor for the Alabama football team and the Atlanta Braves.
Shirley's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as she shared her culinary talents through her catering company, specializing in baking cakes that were as delightful to behold as they were to taste. Her warmth and generosity were felt by all who had the pleasure of experiencing her creations.
Above all, Shirley was a loving wife to her husband, Robert Monroe Jones, a devoted mother to her daughters, Joy and Katherine, and a doting grandmother to Justin, Zachary, and Lucas Blowers. Her love extended to her brother, Rodney Kilgore (Susan), and her nieces, Kelly Gibson (Johnny), Karen Epperson (Nathan), and Kaci Richardson (Bryan), as well as many other family members and friends. Shirley's legacy of kindness and creativity will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
While Shirley's presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dewey and Sarah Kilgore, and her son, Danny Jones. Mrs. Shirley Elizabeth Kilgore Jones's life was a beautiful portrait of faith-filled service, kindness, and creativity, and she will be remembered with love and admiration.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Elizabeth Jones.
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