Shirley Shepard Benjamin

Shirley Sheppard Benjamin, 86, of Marietta, passed away on July 5, 2018. Born in Apopka, FL in 1931 to older parents with grown children, Shirley Ann Hutchinson enjoyed being the center of attention and later sharing it with her sister Connie’s son, Bob. As the depression took Connie to New York City and Miami for work, the childhood duo would visit her in the summertime, giving them a glimpse of the big city life at an early age. Her parents eventually settled in South Georgia and she spent most of her childhood in the community of Odom, near the town of Jesup. In l947, Shirley and three friends boarded a train and left the South Georgia country life. These four attended Georgia Baptist Nursing School in downtown Atlanta, beginning her lifelong commitment to nursing. Loving the excitement of the big city, these friends enjoyed the early Fox Theater, Piedmont Park and a great social life. It was during this time that she met her first love and husband, Bill (William Daniel) Sheppard, the father of her two children, Billy and Debbie. Bill and Shirley married in 1952 and in 1953, the Sheppard’s purchased a tract of land off Holly Springs Rd to build a home. They raised their children in this home. They held family gatherings. They acquired horses and built a barn. They grew corn and other vegetables in what was then a sleepy corner of Cobb County. Simply put, this home was the setting for their life together. It was during this time that another important piece of their lives came into view. Shirley and Bill became members of what was then Campground United Methodist Church (presently East Cobb United Methodist). Shirley’s love for the faith and fellowship of her church was ever present. Shirley and Bill enjoyed their family, their home and several businesses in East Cobb County until Bill’s passing in l986. Shirley had returned to work as a private duty nurse in 1962 and was recruited to staff Kennestone Hospital’s first Intensive Care Unit. She was well known for her good spirit and attention to patient care. These nursing skills truly helped shape the core of her being. Even after retiring in 1995, her caring and nurturing spirit would still shine through. Nurse Shirley was always just a smile away. In l991, she married Bill Benjamin. Together, they shared a life of travel, dancing, and socializing. Bill Benjamin and Shirley were married for 18 wonderful years until his death in 2009. Preceding her in death were husbands Bill Sheppard and Bill Benjamin, son Billy Sheppard, and sister Connie Caldwell. Shirley is survived by her daughter Deborah Sheppard and grandchildren, Lance & Chondra Sheppard; Chris, Sarah, Halle & Thomas Bunch; Hunter, Aoki, Nanae & Motoki Yanagiya; nephew Bob Mantell and family, along with many cousins, nieces & nephews. Her life will be celebrated in a memorial service to be held at 11:00 AM Friday August 3, at East Cobb United Methodist Church, 2325 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062. Donations in her honor may be made to the church above and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Shirley Shepard Benjamin

October 10, 1931 - July 5, 2018