Mrs. Shirley Wilkinson Lerner, age 89 of Griffin, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2021 at her residence.
She was born on May 29, 1931 in Kankakee, Illinois, only daughter of the late Byron Hankins Wilkinson and Margaret O’Dell Wilkinson.
Shirley graduated from the University of Memphis, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She met her future husband in college. Following graduation with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Shirley married John David Lerner, Sr. in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Shirley and John spent their first years of marriage in Charlotte, North Carolina as her husband was beginning his career in the cotton business. Soon after, they established their home in Griffin in 1954.
Shirley began a long career educating young children in the Griffin Spalding School System. She taught kindergarten through third grade at various schools in Griffin until her retirement in 1989, where she ended her teaching career at Jackson Road Elementary School.
Shirley was a member of the Utility Club, Griffin Spalding Art Association and Historical Society.
Shirley loved spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of her beloved St. George’s Episcopal Church for many decades. She had a passion for art, gardening and nature. Shirley enjoyed painting pictures and creating greeting cards after her retirement. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, talented artist and dedicated teacher to many.
Shirley was preceded in death by John, her husband of 68 years, and by her parents and her four brothers, Byron, Jack, Beryl and Dennis Wilkinson.
Shirley is survived by her three children, John Lerner Jr. (Sheryle) of Griffin, Lawrence Lerner of Griffin, Laura Lerner Bowen (Ben) of Cornelius, North Carolina; grandchildren, Leah Lerner Hassey (Matt), Zach Lerner, Ben Bowen IV, and Brady Bowen; great-grandchild, Oliva Paige Hassey; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Shirley’s caregivers, Linda Johnson, Cissy Ridgeway, Julie Johnson, Brittany Castle and Bailey Everett for their devoted care through the years. A special thank you to the staff and nurses of Brightmoor Hospice for providing loving care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Griffin. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
St. George’s Episcopal Church
132 N. 10th St
Griffin, Georgia 30223
Or
Stepping Stones Educational Center
141 Futral Rd.
Griffin, Georgia 30224
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