On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Shirley Lee McMahon (85), loving mother and known to most as "MeMaw", passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. Shirley was born in beautiful Richmond, Virginia on July 25, 1935 and was the eldest daughter of the late Walter E. Lewis, Sr., and Josephine C. Lewis. Growing up she enjoyed her mother’s homemade cinnamon rolls and fried chicken on Sundays after church, and cherished the special times shared with her brothers and sisters. She also loved hearing “daddy and Walter (brother) play the piano” and sing some of her favorite hymns – Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art.
Shirley was fiercely independent and determined, and some might say “born before her time”. She was voted “Most Beautiful” her senior year of high school and was often compared to the likes of Liz Taylor. She never rested on her beauty and used her strength of character to succeed in life and impact the lives of those around her.
Shirley lived in New Orleans, LA off of St. Charles Ave for 25+ years where she held the position of Office Manager and Vice President for Alexander & Alexander (20 years) – where she developed meaningful relationships that still stand strong today. She then moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1993 where she served as Vice President for Palmer & Cay before her official retirement in 1999.
Shirley was an avid reader of everything she could get her hands on; she read the daily newspaper front to back, and the People magazine was a favorite. She always had 3 books in bed with her at all times that included romance novels, biographies, and John Grisham’s legal thrillers. Reading always brought her immense joy.
Shirley’s closet was often filled with Kasper suits, Liz Claiborne outfits, and many pairs of elegant heels. She had incredible style and a true respect for classy clothes.
Shirley truly enjoyed food – every vegetable ever grown, all southern food, fresh cherries, and her favorite, cherry pie. While living in New Orleans, she frequented Mother’s Restaurant where she would pick up one of their Famous Ferdi Specials. She loved traveling and experiencing new places. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains held a special place in her heart – she would stop at every overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway to breathe in the mountain air and admire the picturesque view for hours on end. The mountains were her happy place.
It isn’t often in our lives that we come across someone so special that that person stays with you forever. Shirley was that kind of person. She was a loving daughter, a special sister and aunt, a caring and generous mother, and an adored “MeMaw”. She was so proud of her grandchildren - she used every opportunity she had to make their lives better.
Shirley was the person and dear friend many leaned on for support, for sound advice, and for strength. She deeply loved her family and wanted all of those around her to “make something of themselves and be someone special.” She will be truly missed and shall live in our hearts forever until we meet again.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-laws Sharon and Clinton Savage of Lake Charles, LA, and Shawn and Martin Thomas of Tallahassee, FL; one sister Patricia L. Miller of Elberta, AL; two brothers Jimmy E. Lewis of Elberta, AL, and Tony Lewis of Dallas, TX; 13 nieces and nephews; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters Mary Meaux, Kitty Smotherman, Margaret Hoyt, her brothers Walter E Lewis, Jr. and Lloyd Lewis, her daughter Ann McMahon, and her son Wayne McMahon.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 5 at 1:00 at Hixon Funeral Home. Visitation services are Sunday, October 4 from 4:00-8:00 and Monday, October 5 from 11:00 – 1:00. Family and friends are invited to leave a condolence message by visiting www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to honor Shirley McMahon’s love of the mountains. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixon Funeral Home https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/hixson
