Celebrating the life of
Shirley Livingston
August 01, 1946 - September 11, 2025
Shirley Livingston has left this world for the next, and the good souls up there are lucky to have her — she knows how to liven up a place.
She passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. She was at home, family by her side. She was 79.
Regarding this obituary, she'd want it to be honest and anything but stuffy. She'd probably like it to be short, too, but would realize that's a tall order in a family full of talkers. As the best listener of the bunch, she practiced patience — while sprinkling in a few eye-rolls. Deservedly so, always well-timed. OK, Shirley, here’s to you. We love you.
Shirley Anne Livingston (née Johnston) was born August 1, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was known as “Tubbs,” a nickname her father coined during one of her pregnancies. Years later she’d goose him with a croquet mallet as he lined up a putt — not in retaliation, but because the opportunity presented itself. Who doesn’t like a good gag? She gave as good as she got, so she embraced the nickname; her children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and more used it affectionately for the rest of her life.
Her immediate family also called her "The Rock,” because she shouldered the emotional load. She kept lines of communication open. Listened without judgment. Said the things people needed to hear. Shirley didn't have to cock an eyebrow to give you a look that shook you in just the right way. She was as fierce as she was subtle, like her mother.
A “PK” (preacher’s kid), Shirley was strong in her faith and believed in God’s grace — not a spirit prone to anger, not one who’d want you to fear. She saw the world as a tent with space for everyone and room for acceptance. She shared herself with her churches, teaching Sunday school, leading youth groups, and playing the piano. With Shirley tickling the ivory, an ill-tuned choir would sound dignified and feel supported. Performing live is tough, and she might hit the wrong note herself every now and then. Maybe she’d grin at that: when everybody’s off-key, we’re all on the same page.
Shirley was a reader. Mary Higgins Clark. James Patterson. John Grisham. It’s unknown if she actually read the “Twilight” series, but she formed a mini fan club with her granddaughter and daughter-in-law. Of course they went to the midnight premier — just like they’d wake before dawn for some Black Friday shopping. She liked to go, go, go. She liked to play.
Wow, what an athlete. She would light you up in a game of H-O-R-S-E. Put a tennis racquet in her hand and watch her fire forehands past you — argue line calls, too. Give her a balloon and she’d transform a living room into a court, the couch as its net; yes, she laid out for tough shots. In the best sense she was a big kid. She and her son might try to push each other off the sidewalk on a stroll downtown. Plate up some funk by The Commodores and she’d get down at a wedding reception. Shirley had some moves — and she moved so many people.
Children, especially.
Over her lifetime she was a career educator, and we remember her best as an elementary and middle-school guidance counselor. What a challenging job — often rewarding, often heartbreaking. More than once Shirley took part of her weekend to pick up a student who lived in a tough home environment, or who’d been separated from their parents, and take them to the park for a picnic and some basketball. On the surface that might seem like a simple, if heartfelt, gesture, but consider this: Shirley had to work to gain the trust of those students, their families and guardians, and others, and then convince them that a little break might help everyone. Even if it couldn’t fix everything. That’s Shirley Livingston: maximum effort, massive empathy. Selfless, always.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 49 years, Cecil Donald Livingston, of Savannah — he says he always felt like a somebody when he stood by her side. She has two sons: Tom Lewis (Amy) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Wade Livingston (Melissa) of Savannah. She has four grandchildren: Alice Lewis of Chicago, Faith Lewis of Raleigh, and Samantha and Katelyn Hoover of Raleigh.
Also surviving: her brother, Rev. Jim Johnston (Kathy Ann) of Spartanburg, South Carolina; her sister, Sara Melton of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her brother-in-law, Bill Howle of Columbia, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley is preceded in death by: her parents, Rev. James W. Johnston and Florence Newton Johnston; her sister, Rendy Howle; and a son, Daniel Bull.
Since 2019 Shirley has called Savannah home. Previously she lived in the Sylva-Webster area of Western North Carolina. She grew up in South Carolina's Midlands, graduating from Dreher High School in Columbia and Columbia College. She earned a master's in counseling from Western Carolina University, where she later served as an adjunct faculty member.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests a donation in Shirley’s name to any of the following organizations: Epworth Children’s Home of Columbia, South Carolina; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; Hospice Savannah.
Lastly, the family would like to acknowledge all of the nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, support staff, and more of Hospice Savannah, who helped care for Shirley in the final month of her life. What a blessing to have such compassionate souls as neighbors and friends. Thank you, thank you.
We send our deepest sympathies and much love to you all.
- The Nance Family, Sarasota, Florida
Don, we are so very sorry to hear about Shirley, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, she was a remarkable lady
- Heyward and Chesnee, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
Shirley was the BEST sister in law! She welcomed me into the family with open arms when Jim and I married. Shirley will truly be missed in our family. I am blessed to call her my sister in law. Most of all, I am blessed to call her my sister. I love you Shirley.
- Kathy Ann Price Johnston, Spartanburg , SC
Your thoughts are in our hearts and prayers. She was always a light growing up and made everyone feel welcome.
- Scott Hays and Family , Ellicott City , Maryland
Don and family I are so sorry. Shirley was a great and beautiful lady. It so saddens us for you and the children over her loss. We remember all the times we got to share time with you and Shirley and Wade and Melissa. We have had lots of laughs. She will be greatly missed. We are praying for comfort for the family during this sad and difficult time. We love you.
- Glenn and Janice Allgood, Powell, TN
We send our condolences in the loss of Shirley. I have such great memories of your family, especially Wade, and remember Faith who was the apple of her grandparent's eye! We know this has to be a very diffiult time in all of your lives but may all of the many wonderful memories shared always keep her close in your hearts. --Bill and Linda Hambrick
- Linda & Bill Hambrick, Ossian, IN
We send our condolences in the loss of Shirley. I have such great memories of your family, especially Wade, and remember Faith who was the apple of her grandparent's eye! We know this has to be a very diffiult time in all of your lives but may all of the many wonderful memories shared always keep her close in your hearts. --Bill and Linda Hambrick
- Linda & Bill Hambrick, Ossian, IN
Don and family, I have fond memories of Shirley. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Bridget Salley, North, SC
While never meeting Shirley we know this world has lost a wonderful soul, thanks to our deep friendship with her husband Don. Jill and I send our sympathy and love to the Livingstons and Shirley's entire family.
- Jill and Kevin Grant, Stonewood, WV
Sending an abundance of comfort and condolences to you. Much and much love
- Haley Bridges, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Don, You and your family are in my prayers. I can still picture her at the piano at Webster UMC. You both were so instrumental in my life. Heaven is truly a liveler place. She will be missed. Jerry
- Gerald Denham, Arden, NC
Shirley, you left too soon, but we are sure the Pearly Gates were wide open! What a blessing for us to share a fence with the Livingstons! Rest in Peace Neighbor!
- Maureen Simmons, Savannah, GA
I first met Shirley on one beautiful lovely day when she was a part of our Contemporary Christian Music band 'One In The Spirit' ... what a day that was ... and wow , what a piano player ! I had to ask her what chord we were playing on the song she loved 'I Feel The Lord Standing Near Me' and that was the day I really learned about putting the finishing touches on a song just asking Shirley at her piano ... she would make time seem like eternity and share her knowledge and patience to help anyone around her. A true believer and a true teacher ! I will always remember those beautiful times and both me and Cindy are so deeply thankful to have known her and to have been around her when God was the one and only reason to be together there with her and with everyone there as well . She truely had a light in her face !
- Barry & Cindy Beaulieu , Cayce, SC
I am so sorry hearing about the passing of Mrs. Livingston. She was a very sweet lady. My prayers and love to your entire family.
- Steve Spangler, Charlotte , North Carolina
Don and Wade, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother, Shirley, was a truly remarkable person whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew her. The world is a better place because of her, and her legacy will live on in all those whose lives she has touched. I am one of them.
- Todd Murdock, Waynesville, NC
Don Livingston and Family, We share our condolences and prayers on the passing of Shirley Livingston. She was a thoughtful, caring person (though thoughtful and caring doesn't quite do her justice) and often brought food to the elderly. Shirley was a very spirituaI person and was held up as someone others wished to emulate. She was also a wife, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.
- Gordon and Marcia Mercer, Franklin, Noth Carolina
A loving tribute to a lovely woman, inside and out. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Our heartfelt condolences.
- Vickey Wade and Family, Mobile , AL
Don and Wade I am very for your loss. I will always remember how very kind Shirley was and what a pleasure she was to be around. I feel fortunate to have known her.
- Michael Pittman, Sylva, NC
Sending you all of our love and then some.
- Jay, Kellie, Noah, and Ethan Groover, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
Shirley was a huge part of my life (Teresa) as a little girl growing up into a young woman. My sister Kathey Boozer and Shirley Johnston were best friends at Dreher High School together. They were tight !!!!! Popular, beauty queens and oh soooooo talented. Both were very humble with their beauty, talent.......... and humility is what I remember so well. Kathey, Cindy (our sister) and me (Teresa) were so very honored to sing at Shirley and Don's wedding. We sang the song "MY TRIBUTE". Love you Don and Family.....and we will love Shirley forever.
- Teresa (Boozer) and Patrick McGuire, Lexington, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200