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.
Linda Jefferson sent Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray for Shirley Jean Welch Hanner - January 06, 2025
In Loving Memory of our Nana, Shirley Welch Hanner, a beacon of love and strength. You will forever be in our hearts. With love, Angel Cake, NeeNee, Aariya, Quentin Jr, Missie, & Linda.
So many wonderful memories during your time in Chattanooga. Praying for your family. God bless you all. LaDana Taylor Houser
So many wonderful and fun memories during your many years in Chattanooga. My prayers go out to the family of Shirley. God bless you all 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
We,the Olivet Baptist Church, are praying for you, the family of Sister Shirley Hanner, during this time of grief. We pray that God's Word encourages you, and precious memories comfort you. God bless and keep you. Olivet Baptist Church Bishop Kevin L. Adams Sr.Pastor/Teacher
May God comfort your family and give them strength and peace. Ms. Shirley was a very special person and will be greatly missed. We'll also miss our special yearly trip together but we'll cherish the memories and her beautiful smile. 🙏
Dollie Montgomery and Family Chattanooga, TN
Sending prayers of comfort to the family of Shirley Jean Hanner🕊️🌹
Gwendolyn Donnell
My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your family member . I can only imagine how much she means to you . I will keep you all in my prayers. May many memories of happiness give you all peace and comfort you need during this most challenging time. Please accept my sincere condolences. May she rest in eternal peace. On behalf of My Pastor and Teacher Jerry Hanner Chattanooga, Tennessee Ways of Life Teaching Center.
We, the former principal and faculty of East Lake Elementary School will miss the memorable days we shared at ELE. Mrs. Hannah showed and taught our students what an education can do for your life. Mrs. Barbara Howell, Former Pincipal of ELE
Words can express how I am missing you!! You were my friend, my mom, my travel partner, my confidant children's granny and much much more... I will always love you, Shirley Welch Hanner❤️🕊️🕊️
My prayers are with the entire family. Etta Hinton Herkley
Laretta Harrison Chattanooga, TN
With heartfelt condolences.
Praying God strengthens each of you in the days ahead.
Vincinetta Brown and Family Chattanooga, TN
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Hanner and Welch families at the difficult time. I will miss my traveling partner and birthday twin. Kay Spencer
Thoughts and prayers are with the Hanner and Welch families. I will miss my traveling partner and birthday twin. Your Friend. Kay Spencer
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