Shirley Joan Shell McNeely

Shirley Shell McNeely passed away peacefully on Saturday, the 30th of November, 2024, at Magnolia Estates in Elberton, GA. She was 89. 

Born Shirley Joan Shell at the Historic Thompson Johnson Hospital in Elberton, GA on the 8th of March, 1935, she was the treasured only child of David Epps Shell and Elizabeth “Tutter” Johnson Shell. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 53 years, Walter Boone McNeely, whom Shirley often commented was, “the luckiest man in Elberton.” She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Louis Tyler of Elberton, GA; and many cousins and friends. 

On the 3rd of June,1967, Shirley married the love of her life, Walter, then on the 29th of May 1969, their family was made complete with the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Boone. The McNeelys were a happy family of three who enjoyed a close camaraderie and friendship, wholeheartedly supporting one another in all of their individual endeavors. Shirley was especially fond of her son-in-law, Louis Tyler, and loved him as her own.

A lifelong resident of Elberton, GA, Shirley graduated in 1953 from Elberton High School where she played basketball and was a majorette. Following graduation, Shirley joined Coggins Granite, Inc. and worked in various departments and divisions of the vast company which, at that time, was one of the nation’s largest quarrying and monument manufacturing companies. She was elected to head the Coggins Accounting Department in 1965. In 1984, after 30 years of service, she was named President of Coggins Granite, Inc. and later elected President of all Coggins’ subsidiary companies, serving in that capacity until her retirement in March of 2016.

Shirley was the first woman to be elected to the Board of Trustees of the Elberton Granite Association and was later elected to serve two consecutive terms as President of that organization. Although well known for her business acumen and sharp intellect, Shirley will be best remembered for her generosity, kindness, grace, and of course, her dazzling smile. 

She and Walter were longtime supporters of the United Methodist Church and she was a present member of Grace United Methodist Church. 

Special thanks is extended to Priscilla Lewis and Nilda Ponce who provided love and companionship after Walter’s passing. Your kindness will always be remembered. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Magnolia Estates for your loving care. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, the 6th of December, 2024, from 1:00-1:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow at 2:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Jim McCollough. Private interment will be in Elberton’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery where Shirley will be laid to rest with her parents and husband. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. 

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

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Shirley Shell McNeely.