Shirley H. Gary

Shirley Griffin Hill Gary died peacefully in her sleep on May 23, 2023.  She was born to the late Juanita Cooper Griffin and Hugh Parks Griffin on September 24, 1926, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Her devotion to family and friends, compassion, and generosity endeared her to everyone she met.

Shirley completed her elementary education in Spartanburg City schools, then spent part of her high school years living in New Jersey with her favorite aunt, Dorothy Diamond.  Her northern classmates delighted in her southern accent and would buy her ice cream at the local soda fountain just to hear her speak!

After high school, she attended Montreat College in North Carolina, then began working as a dental assistant in Greenville, S.C.  There she met Albert C. Hill and they married in June 1950.  Al’s work took them to Knoxville, TN and Shirley quickly became part of the local community, joining Norwood Presbyterian Church (later called New Hope Presbyterian.)  She was active in the women’s organization, sang in the choir, and taught children’s Sunday school and Bible school classes.  She was a devoted wife and mother, attending her children’s plays, choral concerts and sports games.  Al would take her out dancing on their anniversary or to the latest John Wayne movie.  She loved animals and enjoyed her grand-dogs and grand-cats thoroughly.

When the children were older she re-entered the work force as a classroom teaching assistant for special education students in kindergarten/first grade.  She and teacher Regina Henard Matney quickly developed a special friendship that lasted for twenty years in the classroom and on to the present day.  Her students continued to love her and contact her for years after she retired.

Her gifts to her own children were many, creating special birthday celebrations, sewing Easter dresses and costumes for school plays and Halloween.  She taught them to love nature, to be kind and courteous to everyone, to show appreciation, and most importantly, to love God.  She was a shining example of how to be a Good Mother!

After 46 happy years together, Albert passed away, but she found love again with Denton C. Gary.  They enjoyed traveling, classes at the local senior center, making new friends, and family get togethers.  Having known one another for years through their church, the two families blended together seamlessly and enjoyed many fun-filled occasions.  Denton and Shirley were blessed with 12 happy years before Denton passed away.

Shirley was preceded in death by parents Juanita Cooper Griffin and Hugh Parks Griffin; sister Patricia Griffin Parks; first husband Albert C. Hill, Sr.; second husband Denton C. Gary.

She is survived by children Nancy Hill Evans Ordman (Robert), Beth Hill Swanson; Albert C. Hill, Jr. (Jennifer); grandchildren James Swanson (Stephanie), Kathryn Hill, and Jeb Gary; great grandson Link Swanson; dearly loved bonus children Anne Gary Kovalovsky (Tibor) and Paul Gary (Carole).

Receiving of friends will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Marietta Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1922 Marietta Church Rd., Knoxville, TN 37932.   A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with a reception immediately afterward in the church fellowship hall to give Shirley’s family and friends an opportunity to remember happy times together.   Rev. Randall Mayfield and Rev. William Westmoreland will conduct the service.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.  If you would like to send flowers, please have them delivered to Marietta church after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30’th.

The family would like to thank Gentry- Griffey Funeral Chapel for their assistance.

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve Shirley's family and invites you to view and sign the online registry. 

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