MRS. SHIRLEY JEAN HANNER - Age 76, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Alive Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 5, 1948, in Clay County, AL, to the late Walter Welch and Francis Sears Welch.

Shirley’s early education began in Clay County, AL, and continued in Nashville, TN, where she graduated from Cameron High School. She pursued higher education at Tennessee State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree and proudly pledging Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Shirley later obtained her Master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.

A dedicated educator for over 35 years, Shirley served with the Chattanooga Public School System, where she touched countless lives. She had a passion for travel, visiting over 10 foreign countries, embarking on numerous cruises, and achieving the remarkable feat of traveling to all 50 U.S. states.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archie Hanner Jr. of Chattanooga, TN; his parents, Archie Sr, and Milvyn Hanner; her parents, Walter and Francis Welch; her maternal grandparents, A.D. and Leslee Sears; her paternal grandparents, Henry and Carrie Welch; her sisters, Betty Welch Gibbons and Glenda Welch Calloway; and her brothers, Walter Welch Jr., Roy Welch, and Charles Welch Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Armond Hanner of Nashville, TN; her beloved grandchildren, Armondria Robinson, Amiracle Hanner, Amazing Hanner, and Jamond Hanner, all of Nashville, TN; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Aariya McClain and Quentin McClain Jr. She is also survived by her brother, Larry (Shirley) Welch of Nashville, TN; devoted nieces, Belinda Gibbons of Atlanta, GA, and Latonja Welch Smith of Nashville, TN; devoted nephews, Morrell Gibbons of Atlanta, GA, and Michael Welch of Nashville, TN; the devoted Hanner family, including, James (Lois) of Rome, GA, Jerry (Sheila), Freddie (Dorothy), Terry, Cecil and Lottie all of Chattanooga, TN, Tommy and Ann of Atlanta, GA and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, including the devoted Lewis family.

Shirley will be remembered for her love of family, passion for education, adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Homegoing Celebration will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 A.M at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3777 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37411. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour. Interment; Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.