Shirley Austin Wilkie

Shirley Marvine Austin Wilkie, 89, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Born on February 24, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Shirley was the daughter of Roscoe and Nellie Waffird. She graduated from Hume Fogg High School in Nashville, where she distinguished herself academically by finishing in the top ten of her class. Her strong work ethic and dedication carried through into her professional life. Over the years, she contributed her talents to several organizations including Randolph & Cole, Horace Small Manufacturing Company, Baptist Sunday School Board/Lifeway, and Flash Printing. In addition to her professional endeavors, Shirley generously gave her time as a volunteer at Walton Ferry Elementary for several years.

Faith played a central role throughout Shirley’s life. She was baptized at Shelby Avenue Baptist Church and remained active in various churches during her adult years. Her deep love for Jesus was evident to all who knew her.

Shirley found great joy in nature and spent many happy hours tending to her yard. Before moving to Clarendale Memory Care, she especially loved feeding the deer, birds, and squirrels that visited her home—a quiet reflection of the gentle spirit she shared with the world.

She was a devoted wife to both Jack Austin and Jimmy Wilkie, who preceded her in death. Shirley’s legacy continues through her loving family: daughter Marsha Pursley (Tim), granddaughter Gina Tomlin (James), great-grandson Taylor Stamper, great-granddaughter Raylee Tomlin, Sister Dean Meador, nephew Mike Meador and niece Lisa Robison.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Shirley will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every room and the steadfast faith that guided her life.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Shirley will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.