Shirley Ann Govan's Obituary
Shirley Govan, 79, of Chattanooga, gained her wings and transitioned to her eternal home on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born on February 1, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Cleo (Andrew) McGriff and Clerance Govan.
Shirley attended Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1964, she relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee and started working at Mymos Hosiery Mill to support her family. She maintained employment for 30 years. After her departure from Mymos, she began working at Caldsted, where she worked for 28 years until personal health issues led to her retirement.
At an early age, Shirley accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined First Baptist Church in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Her dedication to Christ inspired her to become a servant to the community by spreading God’s message through fellowship at church events, bible study, and Sunday services. Her eagerness to learn more about God’s word led her to a new church that she considered home, and that was, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a faithful servant of the Lord.
Shirley, as she was affectionately known, was a bright light for all who had the honor of getting to know her. Her journey on Earth was marked by love, compassion, family, and her unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her presence. We ask that you remember her smile and the joy she had in her eyes as she lived daily, knowing that God was always with her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her mother Cleo (Andrew) McGriff, and Clerance Govan of Winston-Salem, NC. She is survived by her brother, Michael Govan of Washington, DC; sister, Emily McGriff of Winston-Salem NC.
Shirley leaves behind cherished memories of her five children, Jassmaine (Donnie) Govan Calloway, Joseph (Sharon) Govan, Jacqueline Govan, Sherry (Tyrus) Smith, and Jerome Jackson, all of Chattanooga; niece, Dyamond (Kiahl) Fletcher of Washington DC; nephews, Michael Govan, Jr. of Washington DC and Delander Simmon of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren, Lester Lyle, Christy James, both of Chattanooga, Joia Govan of Atlanta, GA, Joshualyn Woods, Jamal Govan, both of Nashville, TN, Brandon Jackson, Tynesha Smith, both of Chattanooga, Jasmine Woods of Atlanta, Montrell Tucker, and Anwoine Calloway, both of Chattanooga; a host of 26 great-grandchildren; special cousins, Janice Burrows, Betty Collins, Melanie Koon, and Joyce Alexander; beloved friends, Linda Weaver, Patricia (Herbert) Gray, and First Lady Lansden.
Shirley will lie-in-state on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, May 5, 2025, at 12 noon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Todd Lansden as the Eulogist. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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