Shirley was a proud graduate of Louisville High School and East Central Community College. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. A devoted school teacher, she spent 25 years teaching at Louisville Elementary and Middle School before continuing her career at Redwater Indian School for another 12 years. After retirement, she found joy in traveling with family and friends and staying active in her community.
On February 15 1964, she married the love of her life, Charles “Curley” Robertson, with whom she shared 40 years of a life filled with love and laughter and the usual bumps in the road and she loved him through it all. Shirley was a dedicated member of Mt. Nebo Church in Vernon, where she treasured fellowship, worship, and her church family. She was also a proud, longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Shirley had many hobbies that reflected her generous and joyful spirit. She loved traveling, reading on her Kindle, collecting pig figurines, participating in community groups, and attending Southern Gospel concerts. She was known for her quick wit, warm humor, and the thoughtful, faith-filled sayings she loved to share with others. Some of her favorites were:
• “Kindness is free.”
• “Rub your mad spot and get glad.”
• “I have too many flaws to be perfect, but I have too many blessings to be ungrateful.”
• “Find joy in every day, not because life is always good, but because God is.”
Her life’s guiding scripture was 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Curley” Robertson; her parents William and Emma Lane Robuck; and her sister Billie Lee Coleman.
She is survived by her children Chuck (Michele) Robertson of Sturgis, MS; Mark Robertson (Sherry) of Vernon, AL; and Beverlee (Kenny) Hollis of Vernon, AL. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Courtney Lane Robertson, Kendall Evan (Tyler) Yates, Cooper (Jeuel) Robertson, Tara (Doug) Blair, Paige Watson, Grey Robertson, Jackson Hollis, and Christian Robertson; and her great-grandchildren Emma Lane Robertson, Carter Blair, and Beau Blair. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins whom she deeply loved and cherished.
One of Shirley’s running jokes in the family was telling each child, grandchild, and in-law that they were her favorite. No matter who she was talking to, she would grin and say, “You’re my favorite,” adding each of their names. All of the children claimed the title proudly. But beneath the joke was the truth that made it special — she treated everyone equally, loved everyone fully, and never wanted anyone to feel left out or less important. She lived by the principle that kindness matters and that life is too short to worry about the small things.
Shirley treasured her lifelong friends from her years of teaching, as well as her cherished friend Carol Stephens and the entire Stephens family, whom she considered her own. Her Mt. Nebo church family meant the world to her, and she dearly loved being part of the “Nebo Ramblers,” where she enjoyed day trips filled with laughter, stories, and fellowship.
She adored her many cousins and shared a special daily bond with her wonderful Aunt Jean (“Aunt Coot”), who recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Shirley lived her life in service to others. She gave to the weary, encouraged the discouraged, and uplifted anyone who crossed her path. She taught that dreams were worth working for, that God should always come first, and that we should remain humble and let go of the things we cannot control.
Her favorite song, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” was the one she wished to have sung at her funeral. She wanted everyone to hear its beauty and truly understand its message.
Her passing was unexpected following a recent surgery — something none of us could have prepared for — and our hearts are devastated by this loss. Shirley lived every day as though it were her last, full of purpose, joy, and faith. She will be deeply missed, and we will forever cherish the memories, the stories, and the lessons she leaves behind.
Shirley — Momma, Mamaw Shirley — was the very definition of a life lived with intention: to uplift others, to encourage them, and to remind them always to be their best.
Serving as pallbearers are Cooper Robertson, Grey Robertson, Jackson Hollis, Christian Robertson, Tyler Yates, Doug Blair, Carter Blair, and George Coleman.
