Etta Merle Shirley Aycock

Etta Merle Shirley Aycock age 98, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Born on November 5, 1926, in Stephens County GA, she was the daughter of the late Aaron David and Rosa Pearl Moore Shirley.

Merle was born at home, weighing only 4 lbs. she began life as a fighter. She survived Scarlet Fever, the Great Depression, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and raised 4 children while Thad traveled 36 weeks out of the year to support the family. She drove young special needs children to and from school for over 35 years, finally retiring at age 86.

Merle loved her family, all children- especially babies, flowers, gardening, reading, sewing and participating in activities with her church family. She was an active member at North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook, Illinois for decades and since returning to Clarkesville, Georgia, she was a beloved member at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Clarkesville. Merle enjoyed the people and activities at Habersham County Senior Center, and she was described as, “truly a force of nature—radiating strength, passion, and an unwavering commitment to others. She gave of herself generously, always ready to lift others up, lend a hand, or offer a word of encouragement exactly when it was needed most. Her presence was bold, her heart was vast, and her legacy of compassion will live on in all who had the privilege to know her."

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Thaddeus Lamar Aycock, who was truly her best friend and soul mate; brothers, A.D. Shirley, & Earl David Shirley (Lorraine); sister, Mildred Shirley Burdette (Roy); and grandson, Matthew John Jaster.

She is survived by daughters, Sharon Elizabeth Aycock (Kristy) and Johnnie Gale Zurek; sons Daniel James Aycock and Roy Herbert Aycock (Beth); 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Louise Shirley; and her "unofficial daughter" Edna Jo Shirley, her niece, who shared her home, life, community, church family and cared for Merle for the last 3 years of her life making it possible for it to be full, rich and happy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia. There will be no graveside service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations, in memory of Merle, to Lighthouse Baptist Church ,1050 Hollywood Church Rd, Clarkesville, GA 30523.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.