Shirley Byers
Shirley Ann Cruickshank Byers, 94, of Signal Mountain, died on March 9, 2020.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Md., she was a draftsman for Pennsylvania Water and Power Baltimore Branch. She was also an accomplished freelance artist in many mediums.
A 1984 graduate Magna Cum Laude from Chattanooga State Technical Community College with an Associate of Science in Advertising Arts. She was vice-president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity and was on the Dean’s list and the Student Cabinet. She is in the 1983-84 Who’s Who for Students in American Junior colleges.
Mrs. Byers was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and served in many capacities over the years. In 1985, the women of the church honored her with Honorary Life Membership. In 1995-96, she was moderator of the Presbyterian Women. She was also moderator of Women’s Circle 1 for many years.
Over the years she volunteered with numerous associations and agencies. She received certificates of appreciation from The Retired Officers Association, CHCVCC, and Senior Neighbors. She was a charter member of the Medal of Honor Museum and was their resident artist. Mrs. Byers received Tennessee’s Outstanding Achievement Award from Governor McWherter for volunteer work as well as the “Charles H. Coolidge” Veteran of the Year Award for volunteer assistance to veterans and the community. She was an Assistant Troop Leader for Girl Scouts and Den Mother for Boy Scouts. She was a servant to her church and her community.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and is survived by her two children and their spouses, Richard E. and Debra P. Byers of Calera, Alabama and Jacqueline L. and C. Graham Phuvanatnaranubala of Hayward, California; five grandchildren, Bradley K. and Savannah G. Phuvanatnaranubala, K. Baylee Byers, S. Kolton Byers and his fiancée Allissa M. Presley, W. Chase and Candace Byers; one great-grandchild, Katelyn Reece Byers.
She was predeceased by her husband, Col Lloyd D. Byers; her parents, Elsa A. Schroedl and William John Cruickshank; her brother William J. Cruickshank Jr. and his wife Ann Lambert.
A memorial service will be held at Alexian Brothers Chapel on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Margaret Ferguson officiating. Visitation will follow the service at Alexian.
There will be a gravesite prayer at Chattanooga’s National Cemetery on Monday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd., Signal Mountain, Tn. 37377 or the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, Pa. 18901.