We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Shirley Shuman Allen
February 11, 1932 - August 12, 2022
.jpg)
Shirley Shuman Allen of Savannah, Georgia died on August 12, 2022 at her home after a brief illness. She was born on February 11, 1932 in Savannah, Georgia and was a lifelong resident of Savannah. Shirley was a graduate of Commercial High School, class of 1949 and Georgia Teachers College, 1952, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Shirley was the only child of the late Ellis H. Shuman and Clistye Lanier Tillman of Pembroke, Georgia. She married B. E. Allen in 1973. They enjoyed several interesting years together traveling to many different locations. He died in 1984.
She retired from Union Camp Corporation where she had been employed for many years as an executive secretary. She had previously been employed by the Chatham County Board of Education and taught school at Commercial High School. In 1964, she was recorgnized as the first certified professional secretary in Savannah.
Shirley was a member of the Savannah Yacht Club and The Chatham Club. She was an avid Bridge player. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and attending The Masters Golf Tournament. She was a meticulous record keeper and enjoyed documenting and preserving her family's history.
Shirley was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Savannah where she served as a deacon for many years. She was a member of Friendship Class and The Classics.
She was preceded in death by her husband, B. E. Allen and a cousin very dear to her heart, Lucy Jane Lanier. She is survived by a stepson, James. E. Allen, Sr.; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Allen-Sipple; three step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; several cousins; and many very good friends.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Greenwich Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to First Baptist Church of Savannah, P. O. Box 9551, Savannah, GA 31412-9551, or the charity of your choice.
I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. I only met Shirley a few years ago. She and my late mother Betty Bacon both used the same hair stylist and had appointments that followed one another on Friday afternoon. When I started to accompany my mother I was able to meet Shirley as she would usually arrive a few minutes early before my mother was completed. We always chatted and found we both had a love of reading. When my mother passed a few years ago Shirley came to the visitation and even invited me into her home on occasion and we were able to go to lunch a few times. Shirley and I became friends and I will always remember her kindness and thoughtfulness. My condolences to the family.
- Alan Bacon, Savannah, Georgia
I am so sorry to read this morning of Shirley's passing. We shared so many trips and good times together in the Savannah Secretaries, along with special friends Gertie and Juanita. She was the first CPS and after I passed four sections of the exam, she used to call me "Two-Thirds," and then I was the second in Savannah. We have exchanged cards for birthdays and Christmas since I relocated to my home state. Her handwriting was so unique and never faded over the years. She was a very special lady and I shall cherish our friendship, which goes back to the 1960s. God bless and comfort the family.
- Barbara Baker Wright, Goldsboro, NC
Shirley will be dearly missed. She was a wise and wonderful friend, it was a privilege to know her. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
- Stacey & Eddie Gavin, Savannah, Georgia
I was so saddened by Miss Shirley’s passing. She has been a part of my life since I was 5 years old when she married my Grandfather. She was always so kind and loving and the epitome of a southern lady. I use to look up at her and think she was so beautiful and after almost 50 years I still did. She never forgot a birthday and always sent a lovely card written in the most perfect cursive handwriting. It was an absolute pleasure knowing such a wonderful person and I cherish the memories.
- Anne Allen Breza, Earlysville , Virginia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Graveside Service
- 10:00 a.m. on Thu, August 18, 2022
- Greenwich Cemetery
-
330 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
