Shirley Ann Cohen

Shirley Ann Cohen, age 95, passed away peacefully July 20, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida, the beloved city where she was raised and lived her entire life. She was born to Hugo and Carlye (Siegel) Mark on August 17, 1924 in Bainbridge, Georgia. Her mother had returned to her home town of Bainbridge for Shirley's birth. She attended Robert E. Lee High School, and during those years, she met many of her lifelong friends. During World War II, she married her University of Alabama college sweetheart Perry Cohen, who predeceased her in November 2017.

Shirley was a pioneer in the Jacksonville business community, having owned and operated the Riverside Gown Shop, a bridal salon first in Riverside and later in Mandarin, for over 50 years. She worked five full days a week long before it was fashionable for women to work. During those years, she took pride in the many brides whom she guided on their search for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and other wedding attire. She amazed all by continuing to show those heavy gowns until the age of 82, when she finally retired, although she rarely sat still after retirement until the last few years.

She was a proud member of the Temple (Congregation Ahavath Chesed) from the time of her birth until the time of her death. Always having an incredible memory, she could tell you the names and family histories of many, many Temple members, including their children and grandchildren. Being a member of the Jewish community in Jacksonville brought her much joy. Her community of family and friends was always very special to her, and she would make friends with whomever she met. Her funeral instructions, penned in her own handwriting, listed among her special achievements as: "Raised 4 wonderful kids and gave them the education to be successful on their own!" She was a voracious reader who stayed current by reading every day at least 3 of the most influential newspapers because she valued this routine to stay "in the know".

Shirley is survived by her three sons, Mark Cohen (Jodi Seidler), Richard Cohen and Dan Cohen (Michal Dagan), her one daughter, Marjie Nealon and her husband Thomas Nealon; grandchildren, Alexa Cohen, Erin Cohen, Brianna Cohen, Joshua Cohen, Alexander Nealon, Carlye Nealon and Amanda Cohen, and her cousin, nephew and nieces. She was preceded in death by her sister Paula Lerner. During her later years, she was well cared for by Tara Crockett, who promised Perry that she would always take care of Shirley. They would all tell you that Shirley was a strong woman, not afraid of anything or anyone. She had an amazing ability to remember what each and every grandchild was doing all the time and she was happy to talk about them, as well as any and all topics, to all. Her family will dearly miss her but will always cherish her indelible legacy.

Her service will be Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 2:00 in the afternoon graveside at Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. Please visit https://youtu.be/-PGyOVU5mek or https://youtu.be/pgHr9_VxkqE to livestream the service.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.