Shirley Ann Brown's Obituary
Shirley Brown, 86, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Hospice Care Center of Chattanooga. She was born on January 16, 1939, in Pelham, Georgia, to John Henry Morgan and Ollie Mae (Morgan) Black. Shirley was one of five siblings—Jean, Jeanette, Stanley, and John Jr.—raised in a home where strength, hard work, and trust in Jehovah were cherished values. Three of her siblings—Jean, Stanley, and John Jr.—preceded her in death. The family later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Shirley grew up and built lifelong roots. She graduated from John Hay High School after completing advanced secretarial courses, which led to early opportunities in local government offices. Her diligence and determination were unmistakable, even as a young woman.
Shirley and Ron first met as teenagers while attending the same congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Shirley and her sisters regularly attended a special “Watchtower Study” for young ones across the city. Over time, the paragraphs grew shorter and the conversations grew longer—until there were far less studying of the material and more studying on the dance floor. Still, Shirley made one thing clear—especially to Ron: she was not interested in courting or marriage. She even joked that she belonged to the “AAA” — the Available After Armageddon club — and if you knew Shirley, you knew she meant exactly what she said.
Ron respected her preference to enjoy her singleness and pursued his theocratic goals by serving where the need was great in Georgia. Meanwhile, Shirley remained in Cleveland, working, saving, and preparing for her own desire to serve where the need was great. In time, Ron returned, their friendship blossomed with warmth and Jehovah’s blessing, and they were married on August 6, 1960. Together they served as full-time ministers in Marietta, Georgia, forming deep friendships and helping many come to know Jehovah. These bonds later extended to Chattanooga, where they served faithfully for decades.
Throughout her life, Shirley worked in a variety of roles. She began as a secretary in local government, where her professionalism and attention to detail earned admiration and trust. Later, she cared for and cleaned residential homes, becoming known for treating others’ homes with the same pride and tenderness she gave her own. Her outward beauty was undeniable, but her inner beauty—her kindness, her honesty, her dignity, and her deep love for Jehovah—truly defined her. She expected those same values from others and often said, “Two things in this world that I can’t stand: a liar and a thief.” Genuine and steady, she lived by the principles she held dear.
At home, Shirley was a devoted wife and mother—a source of comfort, laughter, and encouragement. She worked tirelessly for her family, always putting their needs above her own. Her generosity was effortless—simply who she was. In the kitchen, her creativity became one of her greatest gifts. Shirley was an extraordinary cook and baker—expressive, confident, and full of soul. Every dish she prepared carried love, transforming ordinary meals into cherished memories.
Shirley’s first and greatest love however, was always her relationship with her God, Jehovah. She solidified this love by means of dedication and symbolized it by water baptism on January 7, 1951. She loved sharing her Bible-based beliefs and spoke with joy about the hope of living forever in Jehovah’s promised “grand new world.” She treasured the assurance that Jehovah will awaken those sleeping ones and restore them to life in a peaceful, righteous new world. Even in her waning moments, Shirley’s deep trust in Jehovah shined brightly. Despite difficulty speaking, she still voiced—and even sang—her favorite songs about the time when everlasting life is “just around the corner.” Her hope remained alive until her final breath.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Ronald; her daughters, Nicole (Gene) Johnson; Kirsten (Brasper, Jr.) Wortham; Rhonda (Franklin) Jackson and their son, Preston; and her son, Jared A. (Meagan) Brown. She is also survived by extended family in Ohio, and New York, as well as many spiritual brothers and sisters who eagerly look forward to welcoming her back in the resurrection that Jehovah lovingly promises (John 5:28,29).
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation for the love, kindness, and support shown by friends, spiritual family, and loved ones in the Lookout and surrounding congregations—not only over the years, but especially during these last few weeks as Shirley’s illness became more critical. Your prayers, visits, heartfelt messages, lovingly prepared meals, and countless acts of kindness brought comfort and strength during an incredibly difficult time.
A memorial service will be held for Shirley on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home.
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