Shirley Lawson Handley

Mrs. Shirley Lawson Handley, 86, of Atlanta, died October 1, 2011 at her residence. Born on April 25, 1925, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the only child of the late Richard Garland Lawson and Amelia Stanford Lawson. Briarcliff Baptist Church was her final church home, but she also maintained a membership at Decatur First Baptist Church for many years. A graduate of Decatur Girls High and then the University of Georgia in 1948, she went on to teach in the elementary school system of Atlanta. Together with her deceased spouse of 58 years, William Alexander Handley, she devoted her life to her two children, William Alexander Handley, Jr. and Susan Handley Walker. A capable seamstress, she especially enjoyed the companionship and talents of her Oak Grove Sewing Circle. Survivors are her son, William Alexander Handley, Jr., who enabled her to enjoy her remaining years in her home; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan Handley Walker and Frank Walker of Charlotte NC; her two grandchildren, Frank Harrison Walker III and Georgia Katherine Walker of Chapel Hill NC; and her cousin, Annabel Stanford Nickel. The funeral service will be held Tuesday October 2 at 11:00 am in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons with Rev. Marc Burcham officiating. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Shallowford Presbyterian Alzheimer's Support Group, or the Shallowford Presbyterian Family Counseling Center both located at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 2375 Shallowford Rd, Atlanta GA 30345. The family will receive friends Monday evening (TODAY) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at A. S. Turner & Sons.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033