Heaven got a new angel and the world lost a beloved firecracker of a mother, Shirley Oliver, on Oct 1st, 2021. Shirley was no stranger to struggles. But every challenge she faced and overcame, since childhood, made her a stronger person, a stronger sister, a stronger mother, and a stronger Angel. Her own prayers were answered when she met the love of her life Richard Oliver who preceded her in passing by just a few months. They completed each other and it was wonderful to see her so happy to finally have her time to love like she had always wanted to. Shirley battled dementia & COPD in her later years, but it never stopped her from giving out the best hugs, kisses, and quirky comments to those around her. Shirley died in her home in LaFollette, TN surrounded by many loved ones. Shirley was born in Youngstown, OH on September 6, 1943. She devoted her life to her husband & children; Shirley was always the center of attention and a very outgoing person who could talk to anyone for hours. Earlier in her life she lived in Japan and the Philippines where she developed a love for Asian culture that adorned her house until her final breath. Her services will be private for immediate family members only and taking place at an undetermined time in the future with the final resting place not finalized yet. Friends wishing to honor Shirley are invited to make a donation in her name to the American Lung Association.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father and mother Howard Baxter and Georgie Savannah Shelby Lowe, brother Billy Joe Ensor, sisters Nancy Decker and Phoebe Sue Isaac, son Eric Gibson, and daughter Desiree Gibson.
She is survived by her sons, Lee Gibson and wife Julie, Mark Gibson, Mike Oliver and wife Carolyn, Jason Oliver and wife Abbie, daughters Debbie Church, Peggy Oliver, and Kelly Hines; brothers Bobby Jack Lowe, Kyle Lowe, Phillip Lowe, Jerry Lowe, Howard Clifford Lowe, Ralph David Lowe, Paul Lowe; sisters Charlotte Housley, Diane Zachert, Brenda Lowe, Robin Lowe, Regina Schmedlin; grandchildren Tony Oliver, Shawn and Tori Oliver, Shonda Gilbert, Barbie Mull, Nikki Hines, Katlyn Handlin, Christian, Aiden and Maryanne Oliver, James Gibson, Leena Faulkner, Nicholas and Brandon Gibson, Danielle Sturgill, Amber and Austin Gibson, Eriana Means, Stephen Palsha, and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
No services are planned at this time.