Shirley Ruth Blackmon Anderson

On Wednesday morning, October 18, 2023, while in the comfort of her Middleton, Georgia home and surrounded by the love of family, Mrs. Shirley Ruth Blackmon Anderson entered into the sweet presence of Jesus. She was 88 years old. 

Born in Elberton on June 18, 1935, Shirley was one of nine children. The family moved back and forth between Stone Mountain and Elberton while her father, who was a sculptor at present day Stone Mountain Park, worked in the granite industry at both places. 

She married her beloved husband, Joel Harris Anderson, in 1952, and they became the proud parents of Joel Harris Anderson, Jr. (1953-2000) and Donna Cheryl Anderson (1956-2023). 

Shirley was employed at Elberton Manufacturing Company for many years where she worked as a seamstress. Her love of sewing continued throughout her life and she used her talents to make many clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Later in life, after Little Joel suffered an accident, Shirley returned to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse to better care of him. In 1976, she graduated from Elbert County Vocational School of Nursing, and began a second career. She worked at the Medical Center of Elberton for many years, using her unique ability of serving and caring for others all along the way. 

Shirley loved the Lord dearly, and served him in every way she could. She was proud to be a charter member of Believers Baptist Church, where she worshipped faithfully. It was her faith in Jesus Christ that saw her through the deaths of her beloved husband and both of her dear children. 

Always serving and caring for others, just like Jesus did, she served as a Little League coach for many years. Affectionately known as “Grandma” or “Miss Shirley”, she never missed the opportunity to spend time and support her family and those she loved dearly. Her family awarded her the title of “Best Cook Ever!” and she was most famous for her strawberry cake. 

Although saddened, we rejoice in knowing that she is at the feet of Jesus and reunited with her parents, Milton Edward Blackmon, Sr. and Myrtle Naoba Hewell Blackmon; husband, Joel Harris Anderson, Sr.; son, Joel Harris Anderson, Jr.,; daughter, Donna Cheryl Anderson Rucker; and siblings: Bill, Edward, Jerry, Norman, Danny, Regina, and Elaine. 

She leaves behind her sister, Martha Sue King; grandchildren: Kristen and Ryan Albertson, Jennifer and Jeremy Partain, Rico and Hannah Martinez, Andrea and Jason Marlow, Jay and Corbin Anderson, and Ross Anderson; daughter-in-law, Pat Vaughn Anderson; son-in-law, Henry Rucker; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Friday, October 20, from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 11:00a.m. at Believers Baptist Church, officiated by Jeremy Dotson. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. She will be placed in the church at 10:00a.m.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Believers Baptist Church, 89 Clairmont Avenue, Elberton, GA 30635. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Shirley Ruth Blackmon Anderson.