Shirley Anne Lenhert passed away at her Hollister residence after a courageous battle against cancer. Shirley was a native of Quitman, GA. Graduated from Brooks County High School in Quitman, and studied Liberal Arts at Valdosta State College. Shirley developed a strong interest in music through two of her uncles who sang. In her town they had “Pound Parties” where people believed in the musical benefits of group singing for those who were sick or had other misfortunes. Everyone brought a “pound” of something edible and it was given to the person or family for which they sang. She also sang in her church’s choir. Among her interests was a “passion for flower arranging and interior decorating”, said she. “Spending time in the out of doors camping, fishing, traveling with her husband in their travel trailer throughout the Pacific Northwest, and family activities including barbeques were very important and satisfying to her.” “She was a homemaker and vocalist.” Shirley’s family history in Georgia goes back to her great, great , great, grandfather Peter William Crosby who established the first blacksmith shop and commissary in Quitman, Georgia. The Crosby family owned 2000 acres of land and to this day the family’s descendants retains ownership and lives on the property. When Shirley moved to Hollister and became a member of Calvary Baptist Church she developed a program for kinder-gardeners through the 4th grade to visit her garden at her home and taught them about Gods part in the growth of plants and people. Her children were the first to experience this program. “It was a very calming experience for the children to understand Gods work in the out of doors.”, she said.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband Wilbur “Will” Lenhert on December 5, 2008, and a brother Steve Crosby.
Surviving are her sisters Fay Dixon of Georgia and Jan Crosby of Kings Canyon at Squaw Valley;
children Randy Lenhert, spouse Bernadette of Hollister and Daughter Carol Leif and husband Gary of Roseburg, OR; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday , December 5th at Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home from 8:00 A. M. until 12 noon followed by funeral services commencing at 2:00 P.M. at the Calvary Baptist Church 1900 Highland Dr., Hollister. Interment will be Monday December 7th at 2:30 P.M. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery , Hollister.
Donations are preferred to the Calvary Christian School.
Visit: www.grunnagle.com for condolences
