SHIRLEY DAVIS NEWBERRY's Obituary
PERRY –
Shirley Davis Newberry, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 27, 2024. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Perry Methodist Church with the Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the Funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Tom Carruth and Reverend Richard Lanning will officiate. Private Interment will be held in Perry Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Perry Methodist Church Building Fund, 1002 Carroll Street, Perry, GA 31069.
Born on July 8, 1937, in Covington, Georgia, Shirley was the cherished daughter of the late Shelly and Rae Harlin. She shared many fond memories of her childhood with her sister, Zelna Harlin Ewing. In 1954, Shirley married Joe Parr Davis, embarking on a sixty-one-year journey together that began in Virginia while Joe served in the Coast Guard. They later moved to Athens, Georgia, where Joe Parr graduated from the University of Georgia, and Shirley began raising their family. She was blessed with three children - Beth, Matt, and Susan. She was an exceptional homemaker, continuously striving to create a nurturing and encouraging environment for them. She was a fabulous cook known for her hospitality and warmth, especially during the holiday seasons. Her home was always beautifully decorated, and her infectious smile brightened every gathering.
Eventually, the Davis family settled in Perry, Georgia, with a ten-year interlude in Screven, Georgia. While in Screven, Shirley worked as the Secretary for the Vice-President of Altamaha Technical Institute. When the family returned to Perry, she returned to her job at Sports Center, where she loved seeing all the friendly co-workers and shoppers through the years. She was a long-time member of the Beltista Club of Perry, a ladies’ service organization. Her hobbies included cooking and entertaining, and playing bridge, gin rummy, and tennis. In the Camelot subdivision, the family lived near the tennis court and often hosted neighbors for tennis matches, complete with Shirley’s delightful refreshments.
An active member of Perry Methodist Church, Shirley enjoyed singing in the Joy Choir and participating in the IHS Sunday School Class. After Joe Parr’s passing, Shirley was fortunate enough to find love again with Ben Newberry. Their marriage was filled with joy and happiness but shortened a few years later by Ben’s death. Shirley was a devoted caregiver to both Joe Parr and Ben, providing loving support to both during their illnesses.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Joe Parr Davis; her daughter, Susan Davis Feehan; and her second husband, Ben Newberry.
Left behind to cherish the memories they made with Shirley are her children, Beth Roper (Buddy) of Perry, and Matt Davis (Stephanie) of St. Simons Island; her son-in-law, Brian Feehan; her grandchildren, Brent Roper (Liz) of Golden, Colorado, Becca McLeod (Benji) of Perry, Tyler Davis (Emily) of Boise, Idaho, Emily Davis of Portland, Oregon, Matthew Feehan of Jacksonville, Florida, and Will O’Neal (Ansley) of Dalton; her great-grandchildren, Lucy Roper, Harlin Roper, Mac McLeod, Lily McLeod, Jake Davis, and Bentley Davis. She is also survived by her sister, Zelna Ewing; her stepsons, Pep Newberry (Melissa) of Macon, and Keith Newberry (Linda) of Corinth, Mississippi; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Shirley’s legacy of love, joy, and service will be cherished by all who knew her.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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