Shirley B. Tankersley, 73, of Irwin County, Georgia, died Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 3 PM, Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Frank Cemetery in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. Billy Stephens officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.
Mrs. Tankersley was born June 19, 1947, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Oliver & Edna Mae Morris Broom. She lived in the community all of her life. She attended Irwin County High School and graduated from Cosmetology School. She worked as a beautician at Wilma’s Beauty Shop and owned and operated Shirley’s Catering. Mrs. Tankersley loved playing cards and going out to eat with her friends. She loved her family and her grandkids dearly. She enjoyed taking care of others and cooking and feeding friends and family. She will be remembered for her multi-layer chocolate cakes. Mrs. Tankersley served as President of the Georgia Cotton Women’s Association and Women’s Chairman for the Georgia Farm Bureau State Board. She was an active member of Ocilla Baptist Church where she chaired the Kitchen Committee for many years.
She is survived by her children: Morris Tankersley & Marcy of Tifton, Nan Vassey & Cory of Irwin County and Michael Tankersley & Melissa Redd of Irwin County; son-in-law, Joe Sanford of Irwin County; grandchildren: Rob Vassey, Ally Tankersley, Baylor Redd, Cole Vassey, Gaby Sanford, Owen Redd, and Garin Sanford and two brothers: Harvey Broome of Irwin County and J.M. Broome & Dale of Irwin County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary C. Tankersley; a daughter, Tammie Tankersley Sanford; and a sister-in-law, Nina Gunby Broome.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials, may send them to Ocilla Baptist Church, P O Box 101, Ocilla, Georgia, 31774.
Due to COVID-19, all guests and attendees are requested to wear appropriate medical grade facemasks and to maintain social distancing at all times.