Shirley Shelmon
Shirley Ann Shelmon was born on December 6, 1940, in San Springs, Oklahoma. She transitioned into eternal life on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was 84 years old.
She was the only girl born to Eunice Gipson and Clemie Holmes who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William “Billy” Shelmon, father-in-law Willie L. Shelmon, mother-in-law Rena M. Shelmon, brothers Edward Smith and Carlos Jackson, and best friend Shirley Jennings.
Shirley attended George Washington Carver High School in Amarillo, TX where she was a cheerleader, and participated in the band and chorus. While in high school in Amarillo, Texas she met the love of her life, William “Billy” Shelmon who was in the Air Force there. They later married on August 16, 1958.
Shirley worked at Morgan’s Grocery Store, Buster Brown, and she retired from McKee Foods after 17 years of service. Shirley was such a sweet person and to know her was to love her. Every one of her children called her by a different name so she did not have to wonder which one was calling her. She was affectionately known by Lisa, Ma, Ms. Shelmon, Jeray, and Mommy. Her granddaughter Joia gave her the name ReRe and that was the name she wanted everyone else to call her. Not Ms. ReRe, just ReRe.
Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and she was a previous member of Allen Temple AME Church where she was the Director of the Young People's Department (YPD). She also helped organize the ACG (Archie C. Griffin) Inspirational choir. She was an active member of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church until her health failed and she was no longer able to attend in person services. She was a member of The Queen of Hearts social club for many years. She was very involved in her children’s education while they were growing up. She was the PTA President for many years and received an award as a lifetime member of the PTA. She loved her family and she made sure her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren remained very close all through life. They would take a family vacation every year around Father’s Day alternating yearly flying or renting a van traveling from coast to coast.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her five children, Valerie (Dean) Jones of La Fayette, GA, Janet Shelmon of Lithonia, GA, William (Bonita) Shelmon, Jr., of Lathrup Village, MI, Sharon (Joseph) Govan of Chattanooga, TN and Tamala Shelmon of Chattanooga, TN; eight grandchildren, Anita (Tommie) Gowdy of Chattanooga, TN, Marcellus (Nascine) Shelmon of Lithonia, GA, Joia Govan of Atlanta, GA, David Shelmon of Lathrup Village, MI, Bryan Shelmon of Lathrup Village, MI, Jamal Govan of Nashville, TN, Christa Shelmon of Los Angeles, CA, and Darika Scott of Charlotte, NC; three great grandchildren Jaila Coker of Dallas, TX, Janae Gowdy of Chattanooga, TN, and Micah Shelmon of Lithonia, GA; brother Gregory (Angie) Holmes of Dover, DE; special sisters Delores Henderson, Rosa Morgan, Gloria Moorer, Hannah Burton, and Shirley Gordon; special cousin and friend Emma Lee Jones of Chattanooga, TN, and Gloria Walker of Amarillo, TX, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 12 p.m. at Greater Second Baptist Church located 810 Shallowford Road. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.