Celebrating the life of
A. Jason Shirah
August 26, 1920 - September 17, 2013
Dr. Alton Jason Shirah, age 93, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Daytona Beach, Florida. He was born in Byromville, Georgia, the son of Alton Jason Shirah and Annie Mae Page Shirah. His elementary and high school training was received in Byromville public schools.
He attended Emory at Oxford and graduated with an A.B. degree from Emory University in 1941. He graduated from Yale Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree in 1944. Lagrange College awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree in 1962.
Dr. Shirah was ordained a deacon in the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church in 1944, and two years later was ordained Elder by Arthur J. Moore. He was received into full connection in 1946. He was founding pastor of Dawson Street United Methodist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. While there, he married Jane Inman, his wife of 66 years. She survives him. Other assignments were Cochran, Fitzgerald, First Church Waycross; First Church Valdosta; St. Luke Columbus; District Superintendent of the Valdosta District. For the last eleven years of his ministry, he served as senior minister of Wesley Monumental United Methodist in Savannah, GA.
He retired in 1987 after forty-three years in the United Methodist ministry. He and his wife have continued to live in Savannah following his retirement.
Dr. Shirah was author of two books – For Children Mainly and A Pinch of Spice; Recollections of a Country Boy. He served the United Methodist Church in his active years as follows: Board of Trustees, Wesleyan College; Board of Trustees, Andrew College; Board of Trustees, Epworth By-The-Sea; Board of Trustees, Magnolia Manor; Board of Trustees, Methodist Home for Children and Youth, and Chairman for an extended period; Board of Trustees, Paine College; Chairman South Georgia Conference Board of Pensions; Chairman South Georgia Conference Board of Conference Claimants; Chairman, South Georgia Conference Board of Missions; General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. He was serving as trustee emeritus of Wesleyan College, Andrew College, Magnolia Manor, and the Methodist Home for Children and Youth at the time of his death.
He was the first elected clerical delegate and leader of the South Georgia Conference delegation to the General Conference in 1980. He was a member of the General Conference delegation in 1976 and of the Jurisdictional Conference delegation in 1972, 1976, 1980, and 1984.
He pursued his formal education with vigor and continued an active study schedule all his ministry and in subsequent years of retirement. He was known for his strength as a preacher and as one paid tribute to him at his retirement, "Somewhere along the way he fell in love with the English language." A fascinating storyteller, he could be the unscheduled program in any social gathering. He had a spontaneous sense of humor that frequently erupted in a contagious outburst of laughter. His devotion to his ministry and his affection for his family were the soul of his life.
In retirement he experienced the enjoyment of working with Historic Savannah Foundation and Grey Line Tours as a tour guide, exposing visitors to the beauty and history of the city that he loved.
In addition to his wife, Jane Inman Shirah, he is survived by four daughters and their husbands: Jane Shirah Stump and Robert Stump, Fort Valley; Mary Shirah Snyder, Columbus; Anne Shirah Dykes and Dan Dykes, Monroeville, Alabama; Martha Shirah Brumbeloe and David Brumbeloe, Cartersville; ten grandchildren; Jason Stump and Jennifer Stump, David Stump and Jennifer Stump, Susanna Zeigler and Sanford Zeigler, Benjamin Snyder and Michelle Snyder, Mary Catherine Snyder, Laura Snyder, Jane Inman Edenfield, Allison Edenfield, Sarah Brumbeloe, Christopher Brumbeloe, five great grandchildren and one sister, Mildred Shirah Kight, Cordele.
Visitation will take place at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, Savannah, on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.
The funeral service will be conducted at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, on Calhoun Square, Savannah, at 10:30am on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Honorary seating for ministers and wives.
Interment will take place at Page Cemetery, Byromville, Georgia - Route 230, one mile east of Byromville on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 4:30pm. Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-law.
Memorials: Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, Permanent Endowment Fund 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah GA 31401; Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210; Andrew College, Cuthbert, GA 31740; Magnolia Manor, Americus, GA 31719; Methodist Home for Children and Youth, P.O. Box 2525 Macon, GA 31203.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Rodney and I are praying God's comfort and care be with you and your family especially during these first few days and weeks following the loss of Rev. Shirah. By the way, it was my mom,Polly Merritt, who kept Martha when before she moved to an apartment in Atlanta. God bless you.
- Mabel Merritt Body, Plant City, FL
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. It sounds like your father was a wonderful man, who touched many people's lives. I'm sorry for your loss. Lauren and Sheftall Lanter
- Lauren Lanter, Atlanta, GA
A grand man and a grand uncle. We love you Shirahs. Phil and Linda Stead
- Phil and Linda Stead, Ball Ground, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so grateful for Jason's ministry. Sincerely, Joan Hester Byrd
- Joan Hester Byrd, Savannah, GA
Condolences to the family. Cousin Jason was a great man. We have lost our patriarch.
- Jeffrey W. Shirah, Austin, TX
Peace and strength is my prayer to all of you on this sad occasion, but rejoice with you in the knowledge of heaven's gain. For you, Anne, your coworkers here at Monroe County Hospital lift you and all of your family up recognizing your sadness and praying for your comfort.
- Cindy Jones, Monroeville, AL
What a special blessing Jason was to so many, and especially to us. Jane, we are so grateful for the friendship we shared. Jason was certainly 'one of a kind' and there can be no replacement. God bless all of you as you deal with your loss. We hope to be in Byromville for Jason's interment. Most sincerely, Allene and Ceegie
- Allene and Ceegie Haugabook, Plains, GA
Jason was so special. His warmth, humor,and wisdom have meant so much to me over the last few years. I feel blessed, like I am sure so many others do, to have known him.
- Andy Nations, Macon, GA
Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love from employees of Monroe County Hospital to Anne Shirah Dykes, Mrs. Jason Shirah and family. Thinking and praying for all of you in your loss. Our employees sent up prayers at 8 am today in front of the hospital.
- Tara Nowling, Monroeville, AL
Jason was always so friendly and fun to talk with at the Wesleyan Trustee meetings. His prayers were the highlight of the meetings. He will be greatly missed. Rob Edenfield
- Robert J. Edenfield, Macon, GA
I had a few opportunities to hear Dr. Shirah speak at Wesley Monumental Methodist Church when I was in the choir 10 years ago. I have never forgotten his words to this day.
- Christopher Morrison, Savannah, GA
I'll always remember and treasure my uncle, Jason Shirah, for his elegance, his erudition, and his love for family. His 'big sister,' Mildred Shirah Kight, and I send our heartfelt sympathy and love to Jane and the girls.
- Leila Killen Kight, Miami, FL
Jane Iam so sorry to hear of Jason's death I am going to Boston on Sunday I will think of him while near his stomping grounds aka Yale
- Mike donovan, Hyannis, MA
I was saddened to learn of the death of Jason Shirah. He was the pastor at First Methodist in Waycross when I committed my life to Christian service. I have such fond memories of him and of his family. Although I cannot be in Savannah, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Ann Monroe Hammond, Atlanta, GA
To my aunt Jane and cousins, Janie, Mary, Anne and Martha. We have lost a remarkable man. Always elegant, eloquent and enthusiastic about life he adored his family and as his sister's oldest child I was also able to bask in his love and kind attention. I loved him back and will greatly miss him.
- Anna Rentz, Miami Beach, FL
What a wonderful man and minister. It was a pleasure to know him! Peace and love to his family! The Jim Jensens
- The Rev. and Mrs. Jim Jensen, St. Simons Island, GA
Heaven got quite an angel this week! We feel so blessed to have known Jason and to have seen him just this past Spring. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and family. Love, Emily, Brian, & Caroline Crenshaw
- Brian & Emily Crenshaw, Alpharetta, GA
Jane, Janie, Mary, Anne, & Martha, Ben joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy over the loss of Jason. He was an extraordinary man with a rich legacy of integrity, ministry, service, and leadership. I share your grief and am so proud to have known him and all of you for all these years of wonderful friendship. Jason, Ben, and Tom are certainly together sending love our way. And I send love to you... Peggy
- Peggy Whiting, Chapel Hill, NC
Kenneth Spencer Worthy II
- Kenneth Spencer Worthy II, Savannah,, GA
I was so sorry to hear of Rev. Shirah's death and I know there is a huge void in all of your hearts right now. What a beautiful life and how wonderful it is to know that he and you, Jane, touched thousands of lives in your ministry. As a Trustee of Wesleyan, I shall always miss him at his place at the end of the table, usually near me, so that I could hear all of his humorous remarks and his beautiful prayers. God granted him so many gifts and we will surely miss him.
- Glennda Elliott, Macon, GA
Janie, Charlie and I want you to know that we are praying for you and your family. May the peace of the Lord's presence be with all of you. Judy Adams
- Judy Adams, Fort Valley, GA
Jane: It was with much sadness that I read about Jason. He was a good, truly great man and will be missed by many. My best to you and your family. You may remember that my wife and I sat at the table with you and Jason at a THS reunion function at Glen Arven, where we noted that your two brothers, Jason and I were all KAs -- Jason and I from the Emory KA chapter. Sincerest condolences from Pat & me, Ed Kelly always a friend and admirer of all the Inmans!
- Edward Kelly, Thomasville, GA
Jane, I was so sorry to hear about Jason's death. I thought a lot of Jason. My prayers are with you and family.
- Lucille Davis, LaGrange, GA
Jane, I was so sorry to hear about Jason's death. I thought a lot of Jason. My prayers are with you and family.
- Lucille Davis, LaGrange, GA
Rodney and I are praying God's comfort and care be with you and your family especially during these first few days and weeks following the loss of Rev. Shirah. By the way, it was my mom,Polly Merritt, who kept Martha when before she moved to an apartment in Atlanta. God bless you.
- Mabel Merritt Body, Plant City, FL
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. It sounds like your father was a wonderful man, who touched many people's lives. I'm sorry for your loss. Lauren and Sheftall Lanter
- Lauren Lanter, Atlanta, GA
A grand man and a grand uncle. We love you Shirahs. Phil and Linda Stead
- Phil and Linda Stead, Ball Ground, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so grateful for Jason's ministry. Sincerely, Joan Hester Byrd
- Joan Hester Byrd, Savannah, GA
Condolences to the family. Cousin Jason was a great man. We have lost our patriarch.
- Jeffrey W. Shirah, Austin, TX
Peace and strength is my prayer to all of you on this sad occasion, but rejoice with you in the knowledge of heaven's gain. For you, Anne, your coworkers here at Monroe County Hospital lift you and all of your family up recognizing your sadness and praying for your comfort.
- Cindy Jones, Monroeville, AL
What a special blessing Jason was to so many, and especially to us. Jane, we are so grateful for the friendship we shared. Jason was certainly 'one of a kind' and there can be no replacement. God bless all of you as you deal with your loss. We hope to be in Byromville for Jason's interment. Most sincerely, Allene and Ceegie
- Allene and Ceegie Haugabook, Plains, GA
Jason was so special. His warmth, humor,and wisdom have meant so much to me over the last few years. I feel blessed, like I am sure so many others do, to have known him.
- Andy Nations, Macon, GA
Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love from employees of Monroe County Hospital to Anne Shirah Dykes, Mrs. Jason Shirah and family. Thinking and praying for all of you in your loss. Our employees sent up prayers at 8 am today in front of the hospital.
- Tara Nowling, Monroeville, AL
Jason was always so friendly and fun to talk with at the Wesleyan Trustee meetings. His prayers were the highlight of the meetings. He will be greatly missed. Rob Edenfield
- Robert J. Edenfield, Macon, GA
I had a few opportunities to hear Dr. Shirah speak at Wesley Monumental Methodist Church when I was in the choir 10 years ago. I have never forgotten his words to this day.
- Christopher Morrison, Savannah, GA
I'll always remember and treasure my uncle, Jason Shirah, for his elegance, his erudition, and his love for family. His 'big sister,' Mildred Shirah Kight, and I send our heartfelt sympathy and love to Jane and the girls.
- Leila Killen Kight, Miami, FL
Jane Iam so sorry to hear of Jason's death I am going to Boston on Sunday I will think of him while near his stomping grounds aka Yale
- Mike donovan, Hyannis, MA
I was saddened to learn of the death of Jason Shirah. He was the pastor at First Methodist in Waycross when I committed my life to Christian service. I have such fond memories of him and of his family. Although I cannot be in Savannah, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Ann Monroe Hammond, Atlanta, GA
To my aunt Jane and cousins, Janie, Mary, Anne and Martha. We have lost a remarkable man. Always elegant, eloquent and enthusiastic about life he adored his family and as his sister's oldest child I was also able to bask in his love and kind attention. I loved him back and will greatly miss him.
- Anna Rentz, Miami Beach, FL
What a wonderful man and minister. It was a pleasure to know him! Peace and love to his family! The Jim Jensens
- The Rev. and Mrs. Jim Jensen, St. Simons Island, GA
Heaven got quite an angel this week! We feel so blessed to have known Jason and to have seen him just this past Spring. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and family. Love, Emily, Brian, & Caroline Crenshaw
- Brian & Emily Crenshaw, Alpharetta, GA
Jane, Janie, Mary, Anne, & Martha, Ben joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy over the loss of Jason. He was an extraordinary man with a rich legacy of integrity, ministry, service, and leadership. I share your grief and am so proud to have known him and all of you for all these years of wonderful friendship. Jason, Ben, and Tom are certainly together sending love our way. And I send love to you... Peggy
- Peggy Whiting, Chapel Hill, NC
Kenneth Spencer Worthy II
- Kenneth Spencer Worthy II, Savannah,, GA
I was so sorry to hear of Rev. Shirah's death and I know there is a huge void in all of your hearts right now. What a beautiful life and how wonderful it is to know that he and you, Jane, touched thousands of lives in your ministry. As a Trustee of Wesleyan, I shall always miss him at his place at the end of the table, usually near me, so that I could hear all of his humorous remarks and his beautiful prayers. God granted him so many gifts and we will surely miss him.
- Glennda Elliott, Macon, GA
Janie, Charlie and I want you to know that we are praying for you and your family. May the peace of the Lord's presence be with all of you. Judy Adams
- Judy Adams, Fort Valley, GA
Jane: It was with much sadness that I read about Jason. He was a good, truly great man and will be missed by many. My best to you and your family. You may remember that my wife and I sat at the table with you and Jason at a THS reunion function at Glen Arven, where we noted that your two brothers, Jason and I were all KAs -- Jason and I from the Emory KA chapter. Sincerest condolences from Pat & me, Ed Kelly always a friend and admirer of all the Inmans!
- Edward Kelly, Thomasville, GA
Jane, I was so sorry to hear about Jason's death. I thought a lot of Jason. My prayers are with you and family.
- Lucille Davis, LaGrange, GA
Jane, I was so sorry to hear about Jason's death. I thought a lot of Jason. My prayers are with you and family.
- Lucille Davis, LaGrange, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
