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Shirley Ann McCary Long, 79, of Fayetteville, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her, on August 22, 2024.
Shirley was born September 14, 1944, in Birmingham, Al to the late Anthony McCary, Sr and Bertha Lee (Borders) McCary. Shirley grew up alongside her parents, four brothers and four sisters. She obtained her high school diploma from A.H. Parker high school in Birmingham and went on to attend Booker T. Washington College in Birmingham, where she graduated with her associate degree.
Shirley, affectionately known as “Shonuff” and “Red”, lived and worked in Birmingham all of her life. She worked for Barber’s Ice Cream Dairy for many years before changing careers and going to work at JCCEO HeadStart in Birmingham for nearly 14 years.
Shirley was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, formerly Southside Baptist. The church served as headquarters from 1956 to 1961 for the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR), during the Civil Rights Movement. Through the thick of it, Shirley remained faithful woman of God. When she wasn’t working or at church she could be found fishing, having parties, raising her children and helping others raise theirs too.
No matter how difficult things were at the time, Shirley was known to have a big heart and for giving 100 percent while never expecting anything in return. She loved her family and her friends, and enjoyed music, fishing, and casinos. She really did enjoy a good life!
During her last few years, Shirley spent her time watching sci-fi or western movies, especially Gunsmoke, that was her favorite. She also thoroughly enjoyed eating ice cream and chewing double-mint gum
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: Anthony McCary, Sr. and Bertha Borders Harrison; her brother: Terrance McCary; her sister: Bernice Hill McCary; and her son: Michael T. Brackett; and her stepson: Robert Lee Nathan of Ft. Wayne, AL. She leaves to mourn her passing; her children: Vincent Wayne McCary of Birmingham, AL. and Debra McCary-Roberts of Fayetteville, GA.; stepchildren: Ann Jackson of Jacksonville, FL., and Michael Nathan of Ft. Wayne, IN.; her grandchildren: Devin Colston and D’Annayah Roberts of Fayetteville, GA, Vincent McCary of Birmingham, AL, Victoria McCary of Huntsville, AL, Demetric Nathan of Jacksonville, FL, and Jennifer Slatter Holmes of Lauderhill, FL, Eric M. Tolliver, Kenyatta Tolliver, and LaToya Tolliver, all of Birmingham, AL ; her great-grandchildren: Shannon and Ian Smith, Jessica Nathan, Bryonna Nathan Ridley, Tyonna Nathan, and Jacob Holmes; ten great-great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Annette McCary, Johnny McCary, and Teresa Thompson all of Birmingham, AL., Anthony McCary, Jr of Covington, GA., Mary L. Alexander of Menifee, CA., and Freddie McCary of Pawtucket, RI; special and loving niece: Brenda Payne Williams; a whole host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special furry friend: Skye Lani Roberts, the goldendoodle, always by her side.
“Mama will always be in my heart. She may be out of sight, but she will never be out of my mind!” –Debra McCary-Roberts
Ms. Long’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Southern Grace Hospice of McDonough, Ga and Visiting Nurse Health Systems of Atlanta, Ga for their excellent care provided for Shirley in her time of need.
To home health aide Alisha Woodard with Southern Grace Hospice for taking such good care of Shirley and for “making every visit a great one!” “You treated my mom with the utmost supreme care! We love you so much.”
To Mr. Jon with Visiting Nurse Health Systems, “Jon, the service you provided to my mother was exceptional! You made my home yours and we felt so comforted knowing you cared and loved moma. Thank you Jon!!”
The Long family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation- Fayetteville, 1086 Hwy 54 W, Fayetteville, GA 30214.
Debra Roberts says
My sweet Moma you were your last days were hard and I just know you were suffering. You will truly be missed. I didn’t know how to miss you or how hard it would be on me. I’ve always been the strong one on both sides of the family. Your death hit hard. Rest easy dance around Heaven all day. No worries here me and Wayne fine. Your grands and great great grands miss you and Skye too. Forever in my heart and mind. Your only daughter Debbie…
Debra Roberts says
We love you great Grandma and miss you so much. Love always Shan and Duce.
Shannon Smith
Ian M Smith
Jennifer B Holmes says
My Deepest Condolences “Friend” Mom and I Pray for Your Strength in your Time of Bereavement! We Love You Guys!
Alisha Woodard says
Sending my deepest condolences to the long family! It was a pleasure taking care of Mrs Shirley. Always a sweet spirit and never forgetting to ask about her grapes, and some double mint chewing gum! What a sweet, nice family! Continue to rest Mrs Shirley! Love Always Alisha
The Sellers Family says
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family. We will keep you all in our prayers. Love y’all.
Annette McCary says
‘My Dearest Sister ‘ You will forever be missed and from the bottom of my heart you will always be cherished.❣️Nette..
Bridgette Moses says
My heart reaches out to you at this painful time . I’m here fir you with love, comfort and friendship. God will carry this. My condolences to you and your family…Love Bridgette and family.
Germeseh McCary says
Auntie “Shelly” you will truly be missed and forever in my heart. Love Always, Germeseh.💕
Veronica Reed says
My condolences to you friend, and the rest of the family. I pray for your strength and some sort of comfort only our Lord and Savior will provide. ❤️
Linda Colbert says
My condolences to you my friend and the family. Praying for you Debbie for strength and comfort during this difficult time. God got this, let it go.
Quinzetta McCray says
My heart goes out for the family. Praying for peace and comfort. I will always cherish our special moments and conversations. You shared love and wisdom, which will not be forgotten. Rest well my sweet angel!!!!
Dorie Purry says
Sending My Condolences to the Family 👸🏽😇❤️✌🏽🙏🏾
Cheryl Hood says
She’s resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I pray 🤲 God sends an Angel 😇 to comfort you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Cheryl Hood
Belinda Henderson says
Debra I send my sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for letting me share dinner with your mother. If there’s anything I can do please reach out!
Brenda M Williams says
Auntie i love you and i will truly miss you always and forever ❤️❤️. Brenda Mccary Williams
Ian smith says
Miss Shirley was a sweet person with a big heart she and 100percent genuine she always understood where I was coming from and was able to see things from all sides god bless her soul long live miss Shirley 🙏🏾
Amanda McCary says
May God wrap you and yours in his loving arms. As I know he has wrapped your mother in a loving and gentle sleep. May God bless you and give you strength.
Shante B♥ says
I share my deepest condolences with you and will leave one on your mom page. – Shante & Leah ♥
Shante B♥ says
I share my deepest condolences with you, friend and family. I know this is heavy on your heart. You are an amazing daughter. May your mom rest in peace. – Shante & Leah ♥
Mic says
May God Impart Comfort, Grace, and Peace Upon You Deb And the Family. Her Journey is Complete Bless Her Soul
Shaquonta says
My sincere condolences to you, Mrs. Debra, and the family. I pray that God will give you and your family peace and strength in your difficult time.
TJ Hubbard says
Wayne, Debra, D’Annayah. Devin, Shannon and Ian, We pray that the Spirit of the Lord Sends Blessings to Cover Each Of You During the Transitioning of Your Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother!
Ms. Shirley has “Gone On To Glory” To Be With Your Other Heavenly Relatives and They Are Singing and Shouting All Day! She is at Peace and no Longer in Pain!
Praise God For His Grace and Mercy,
Tonji and The Banks, Hubbard, Swain and Willis Families
Brenda Hicks says
My sincere condolences to you Debbie and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing she is resting in the arms of God! ❤️