JoAnn Blake Shierling Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

JoAnn Shierling, surrounded by her family passed away quietly at her home in Blakely, GA on February 28th, 2018. She was born in Steadman, NC to parents Bynam Ethridge Blake and Lilly Collins Blake. As the youngest of 5 children, JoAnn adored her older siblings and remained close to them for their entire lives. She is survived by her sister, Betty Starling of Steadman, NC. JoAnn graduated from Huntington College in Montgomery, AL. This is where she met the love of her life. JoAnn married Charles William Shierling in June 26,1955, They then returned to Charles' hometown, Blakely Ga, to make their home. Together they raised two sons, Charles Blake Shierling (Susan) and William Gary Shierling (Kathy). JoAnn began a teaching career at Early County High. After 33 years of teaching Science and Biology to almost every high school student, she retired. The beach at St. George Island and the mountains of North Georgia called her name. She enjoyed her time in both places creating lovely homes where family and friends were warmly welcomed. There were also a few fishing trips along the way, she especially enjoyed catching triple tail and red fish. JoAnn and Charles enjoyed hosting fish fries with the catch back in Blakely. After Charles passed away in 2011, JoAnn was diagnosed with brain cancer. Like the true warrior she was she defied the odds and defeated this through a year of extreme chemotherapy. With the love and support of her family, very good friends and wonderful companion she was able to enjoy 7 years to do what she wanted and remain independent until the end. We were all truly blessed to have this special time with her. The light of her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by Robby (Faythe) Shierling: Tyler Blake, Bridget Harley, Dana Megan, Jordan Riley, Amy (Josh) Graves: Aiden Joshua and Adalynn Blake, Cannon (Jenna) Shierling and Sloan (Amber) Shierling: Rielle Jane. She was adored by these lucky grandchildren/great grandchildren and remained active in their lives. Please join us for a joyful celebration of a life well lived at the First United Methodist Church in Blakely, Ga on Monday March 19th at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM in the old Friendship Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to First United Methodist Church, 397 College Street, Blakely, GA, 39823 or to the American Cancer Society/Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma research (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lymphoma.html) in her name.

JoAnn Blake Shierling

August 15, 1933 - February 28, 2018

Obituary & Service

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JoAnn Blake Shierling

August 15, 1933 - February 28, 2018

Obituary & Service

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