Shirley Ann Mell

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Celebrating the life of
Shirley Ann MellSeptember 10, 1938 - September 08, 2015

Shirley A. Mell, 76, died Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at her residence. She was born September 10, 1938 in Savannah, GA and lived the majority of her life teaching here. Savannah High School was where she was granted her diploma before receiving a BS from GSCW in 1960. The University of Tennessee granted her an MS in 1966 where her Thesis was the first written on Programmed Instruction for Gross Motor Skills. She also attended Georgia Southern in Post Masters classes and Supervising Teacher as well as becoming certified as an Administrator and Supervisor. Her education was culminated at the University of Georgia when she received certification in Career Education and became Master Teacher in that field for the State of Georgia.

She began her teaching career in Atlanta, GA at Russell High School where she introduced Modern Dance into the curriculum and sponsored the Modern Dance Club. The Club performed at various functions in Atlanta and had a yearly concert. After receiving her Master’s Degree, she was the first woman Physical Educator to teach at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Here she organized the first Modern Dance Club and Square Dance Club in the history of the University and presented programs annually. She served on the advisory committee for the selection of a Dean of Arts and Science School and represented the Physical Education Department at professional meetings and function when the Head could not attend. Following that assignment, she taught 19 years at Savannah High School where she was the Head of the Department. Her final teaching career ended at Shuman Middle School where she headed up Career Education.

Shirley received the prestigious Honor Award presented by the State of Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance for outstanding contributions to the state association as well as the Physical Education profession, significant service, and leadership in addition to being selected for “Who’s Who” in South and Southeast.

She was a member in many professional organizations and held offices in all; GAHPHRD-Chair of first district, vice-president of Health Division, chair of Evaluation Committee, and chair of Site Selection Committee. AAHPERD-Chair of Secondary School Physical Education Council, Chair of Nominating Committee, Program Planner for Secondary Physical Education Council, Delta Kappa Gamma – Chair of Membership, Secretary, AAUW-Chair of Book Fair.

Tennis was her passion, which she played all during her retirement years and made many dear and loving friends.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Jane Mell Hagin; niece, Patrice Mell Robinson (Dale); nephews, Jeffrey Steven Mell (Stacey), and Charles Marion Mell. Also surviving are seven great-nieces and nephews, and two great-great-nieces and one nephew.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2015 with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2015 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Savannah Tennis Federation.

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel

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GUEST BOOK

Sorry for your loss, she's a wonderful and Amazing teacher,she was my gym coach and I will never forget her,I pray for her family and friends and strength and courage and durability ***??***

- Gustavus Chisholm , Georgetown , Texas

SHIRLY WAS A REMAKABLE WOMAN TO SAY THE LEAST. WE WEREIN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TOGTHER. SHE WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE. SHE WILL BE MISSED. I BET SHE IS ALREADY ORGANIZING A TEAM IN HEAVEN !

- PGGY EAST, PENSACOLA, FL

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Ms. Mell and may she rest in peace.

- Karen Norman, Decatur , Ga

Shirley, I will miss that friendly smile and warm Irish heart. Death is but a continuation. Perhaps one day to meet again------standing in a big Irish Field and everyone will be there. egh

- E.G. Harold, Tybee Island, GA

Prayers and sympathy to your family. She was my tennis coach for the SHS tennis team 1980-81. Kim Osborne Carter

- Kimberly Osborne Carter, Valdosta, GA

Shirley was a wonderful friend and one of the most unselfish people I have ever known. I met her when she was a senior in college and followed her career throughout her teaching tenure. She was a dedicated professional and a master teacher and will always be remembered by her associates. May she rest in peace with that tennis racket in hand!

- Lea Barrett, atlanta, georgia

Coach Mell was my tennis coach at Savannah High School. She spent a lot of hours with me on tennis drills & wacking away at tennis balls. She was a dedicated coach, an encourager and an inspiration in my life. Rest in Peace Coach Mell...Thank you for being a part of my life. God's Love, Peace & Blessings to the family.

- Sheryl McIver Jones, Oceanside, CA

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Words cannot express the loss of Coach Mell. She always was someone I could talk too about anything. She is truly gonna be missed. She definitely was a great coach and teacher and really was a great inspiration in my life.

- McIver Family, pooler, ga

My thoughts & prayers are with your family! Aunt Shirley always had a kind word for me when she'd come to see Chuck. I remember when she got the first moped I had ever seen, She was the COOLEST Aunt. I know she'll be missed.

- Stephen & Pam Helmly, Marietta, Ga.

I remember taking several gym classes from Ms Mell. One of my most memorable classes was Dance activities. We learned how to do dances like the Waltz, the Cha Cha, the tango, and square dancing. To the family of Ms Mell, she was a great educator and made a difference in my life.

- Georgia Pinckney , Savannah , Ga

My warmest condolences to Shirley's family. Shirley was there when I started playing league tennis in 1992 and was there as the years went by. She was always helpful, friendly, and was just an amazing lady. She told me at one of the tennis luncheons we both attended that she was related to my ex-husband, Harold Cronk. They were second or third cousins I believe. The two families, however, didn't have a chance to meet over the years. I helped Shirley with a computer project a few years ago and it was a blast just hanging out with her. I will miss you dearest Shirley. God Speed and I hope they have tennis in heaven . . .

- Vicki T Cronk, Savannah, GA

I send my deepest condolences to the Mell family and friends! Coach Mell was a very sweet and considerate teacher! She taught me the fundamentals of tennis, her patience with me was greatly appreciated! You all are in my prayers. Patricia Harris SHS C/O 85'

- Patricia Harris, Hinesville, Ga

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I could never forget Ms. Mell, awesome teacher! learned a lot of dances. She will be missed.

- nnancy wilson allen, ssavannah, ga

May eternal light shine upon you and may you rest in peace.

- Rose & Duncan Lawhrone, Omaha, NE

May God grant your family strength during this time of sorrow. Miss Mell was my first dance instructor. She taught folk,square and social dance at Savannah High. I could not wait to get to her class every day! I have many fond memories of the laughter and joy I experienced during her classes. She was wonderful! May her sweet soul rest in peace.

- Pamela Major-Gilliard SHS c/o 82, Savannah, Ga

My heartfelt condolences go out to The Mell family. Miss Mell was my teacher and tennis coach for 4 yrs at Savannah High School. Sge was so much more than though, she became family. She was my Aunt Shirley. She will be remembered for her kind heart and loving smile. Gonna miss you Aunt Shirley, LOVE YOU ALWAYS n FOREVER.

- Gregory Mikell, Savannag, Ga.