Shirley Ross Megaris, age 80 of Graysville, entered the presence of the Lord on Friday afternoon, July 30, 2021, at Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 19, 1941, in Knoxville, the daughter of the late William Oscar and Martha (Brewer) Pratt. Shirley was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Tommy Pratt and W.O. Pratt.
Shirley was born and raised in Knoxville and moved to Rhea County in 1981. She received her high school diploma, and later attended International Barber & Style College of Chattanooga. She worked as a seamstress for Burlington Factory in Knoxville and Delong Sporting Goods in Dayton. She was a Master Barber until she retired at the age of 72. Shirley loved her Lord, and she loved people, reading her devotions and her Bible, sewing, crocheting, cooking, being with her family and her fur babies. She also loved attending church until she could no longer physically attend.
She is survived by her children, Tammy (Bill) Laurence of Fayetteville, NC, Ricky Needham, Yvonne (Richard) Stines, Donnie (Kristy) Needham all of Rhea County, and Jerry (Carol) Megaris of Rossville, GA; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Arnold (Faye) Pratt; and sister, Nancy Lawson, both of Knoxville.
Graveside funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m. at Rhea Memory Gardens in Dayton with Pastor Calvin Nunley officiating.
Please share your memories and photos of Shirley on her online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where there will be a drive through visitation and viewing Monday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Social distancing and wearing of face masks is requested.