Shirley Jean Pharris

PHARRIS, Shirley Steuart age 80 went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 2, 2012. Preceded in death by husband, Richard D. Pharris. Survived by loving children, Richard S (Mechelle) Pharris, Dr. Larry (Dawn) Pharris & Carol (Jim) Eads; 5 grandchildren, Katie, Rebecca, James, Sarah & Garrett; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Gail Steuart. Shirley was a gifted and talented artist teaching art to numerous individuals for over the last 30 years. Shirley had a passion for art and loved people. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will truly be missed by all. Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, December 7, 2012 at 6pm. Visitation with family will be Friday 2 pm till time of service at Hermitage Funeral Home.

Shirley attended the University of Arizona at Tucson where she majored in dress design and related art, Her first opportunity came when she began drawing and painting designs with fabric paints. The beautiful colors and shapes of the Indian designs and the desert flowers inspired her to perfect some silk screen designs. Shirley has traveled in Europe, The Middle East and Greece. Throughout her travel, she has been inspired by all the various cultures and art. Shirley has had the opportunity to study with some very fine instructors including design, drawing, jewlery making, sculpture and painting in all mediums. She has studied extensively in portraiture with Daniel E Greene, Shirley loved to paint in oil, pastel, and acrylic. Shirley was an admired art teacher. She has had the great opportunity to share her considerable knowledge with many other people over the years. It has brought her a great deal of satisfaction when her students are successful in the "Art World" on their own. Shirley has had exhibitions at museums in San Antonio, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana, The Parthenon, Cheekwood in Nashville, Watkins Institute, The Tennessee Art League Gallery and several private galleries as well. She was a member of the Nashville Artist Guild, The Tennessee Art League & the American Society of Portrait Artist. Shirley drawed inspiration from the following saying " A Thing is a joy forever." Shirley always tried to see the beauty in everything around her, thus making her paintings vibrant and full of life and color.