Shirley Thomas Panter was born on November 22, 1938 and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the age of 84. She was married for 54 years to the late Thomas Hugh Panter. She was the daughter of the late Simp and Novella Thomas. She had one brother, the late John S. Thomas Jr. She is survived by her loving children, Teresa Haymore (Dan), Rebecca Allen (Jeff), Tommy Panter (Rhonda Traylor); Grandchildren, Ashley Lee (Brandon), Jacob Allen, and D.J. Haymore; and great-grandchildren, Caleb, Riley, Malachi, Evie, Jude, and Grace Lee.

Shirley was born and raised in Fannin County and was more than blessed to spend the remainder of her life in the home she loved. She was in the first graduating class of West Fannin High School in 1956 where she was a cheerleader. During high school she worked in the soda fountain at Rexall Drugs, then later went on to keep their books. She spent most of her career working in her mother's grocery store, and at Lances Quick Rick convenience store. The job she loved the most was caring for her husband, raising her children, and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anyone who ever had the pleasure to know Shirley knew that the love of Jesus was reflected in everything she did. She was an extraordinary cook who never wanted anyone to leave hungry. As her children grew up, her house was a gathering place for all the neighborhood kids. It was a safe haven for anyone to come to and many fond memories were made, especially on holidays!She had a servant's heart until the very end and when it came time for her loved ones to serve her, she could hardly abide it!

Shirley was baptized when she was nine years old and later became a member of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. She lived a selfless, loving Christian life that her children and the generations to come would do well to follow.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all that have cared for her at the Blue Ridge Assisted Living and Memory care, Pruitt Hospice, and special caregiver, Whitney Swanson.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. David Whitener officiating. Music was provided by Brian Huffman and the Lee great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jeff Allen, Dan Haymore, Jake Allen, D.J. Haymore, Brandon Lee, and Caleb Lee. Paul Payne served as a honorary pallbearer. Interment followed in the Copper Ridge Memory Gardens.

For those desiring to send memorial contributions, those may be made to Gideons International at www.gideons.org or to the Fannin Christian Learning Center at fanninclc.com Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of these arrangements.