Janice Mitchell Shirley

Mrs. Janice Mitchell Shirley, age 69, of Lavonia, died Monday, June 9, 2014, at her home. Born October 2, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Clyde "Jimmy" and Grace Marett Mitchell. She was a graduate of Lavonia High School Class of 1962 and was a retired Administrative Assistant for the Dekalb County Department of Community Development. Mrs. Shirley was a member of Lavonia First Baptist Church. She was also a joyful member of the Red Hat Club and derived great pleasure from her creative and unique hats she wore to meetings. She later wore many of her hats to the lab to receive her chemo infusions and brought great cheer to others in the room receiving treatments alongside her. She is survived by her husband, John Ross Shirley; son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey Ross and Tina Partridge Shirley; grandchildren, Jordan Ross Shirley, John, Jeffrey, and Jamie Partridge; great-granddaughter, Grace Joanna Shirley; sister, Karen Mitchell Rainer; and a brother, W. Kenneth Mitchell. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Kenneth Shirley; and her sister, Emily Mitchell Payne. Memorial services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 2:00p.m. in the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and the Rev. Richard Bielski officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church sanctuary. Donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 855 Gaines School Rd, Athens, GA 30605. Share your stories in Mrs. Shirley's Book of Memories online at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory, Elberton is respectfully in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Janice Mitchell Shirley.