Funeral services for Evelyn Arrendale Shirley, 76, of Demorest, were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, with the Rev. James Harvey and the Rev. Wesley Purcell officiating. Burial followed in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Shirley died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, following an extended illness.

Born May 29, 1935, in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late J. Charles and Carrie Owensby Arrendale. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold C. Shirley; sister, Lucille Franklin; and brothers, Ray, Phillip and Jerry Arrendale.

Mrs. Shirley was a member of Unity Baptist Church. She was a retired shipping clerk from Regency.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Aaron Wilbanks of Cornelia; son, Hal C. Shirley of Clarkesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Preston and Jacqueline Shirley of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Perry M. and Scarlett Shirley; sisters, Martha Welch of Mt. City, and Susan Erlene Welborn of Florida; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Those who wish to express online condolences may do so by visiting whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest.

The Northeast Georgian

November 30, 2011