COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Shirley Ann Davis, 87, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at her home.
Shirley was born in Bartholomew County on November 15, 1935. She was the loving daughter of John H. and Sarah R. Russell Gates. Shirley spent much of her early years taking care of her younger sister Edna after losing her mom at the age of 5. On September 18, 1954, Shirley married William D. Shafer; he preceded her in death in January 1974. After losing William, Shirley learned how to drive, got a job at Sears – where she worked for many years – and did everything she could to be a loving and supportive mother to their sons, Don and Gary. Shirley later married John A. Davis November 29, 1974; he died October 10, 2006, from complications related to his service in the Army.
Shirley was a dedicated member of East Columbus Christian Church. She also enjoyed her membership at the VFW Post 1987 Auxiliary. Her true passion in life was music. In her younger years she sang and played the guitar, performing first with a band and later with her son, Don. Shirley always enjoyed listening to music and attending country and bluegrass concerts.
Shirley is survived by her son, Donald “Donnie” Wayne Shafer of Columbus; grandchildren, Katherine “Kate” Shafer of Atlanta, Georgia, Sophie and Zoe Shafer of North Vernon, Joshua (Allene) Richardson of Waldron, Indiana, and Hanna McBride of Columbus; great-grandchildren, Elias and Kora Richardson and Morgan McBride; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins across Indiana and Kentucky.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; son, Gary Lee Shafer; daughter-in-law, Mary Walter-Shafer; brothers, George E. Gates and Frank P. Anderson; and her sisters, Edna M. Davis and Maxine Owens.
The funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Ron Bridgewater will officiate.
Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home. Shirley will be laid to rest in the Garden of Faith at the Garland Brook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or East Columbus Christian Church.
Condolences and special memories may be sent to the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
