She was born on September 24, 1934 in Cumberland, Kentucky to Charles Sumner and Alice Flanary Garland. She was deeply cherished by her family. Shirley was the epitome of strength, grace and love.
Shirley grew up in Holmes Mill, Kentucky. She graduated from Evarts High School in 1951. After high school she attended Berea College in Berea, Kentucky where she received a Bachelor degree in Home Economics. Shirley taught Home Economics and Science at Loyal High School and then Evarts High School before moving to Jasper, Tennessee to work as a Rural Development Agent in the Extension Office. She worked almost a year as an extension agent before finding her professional passion which was Dietetics. Shirley began working at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She participated in a Dietetic Internship which led to becoming a Registered Dietician. Shirley left Chattanooga to become Food Service Director at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. She was an active member of the American Dietetic Association for over 50 years.
Shirley married the love of her life, John Hall Byassee, Jr. in 1964 in Murray, Kentucky. They were happily married for 39 years. Shirley completed her Masters Degree in Dietetics at the University of Tennessee at Martin, TN. She also completed an endorsement for teaching Middle School Science at Murray State University. She worked for Hickman County Schools as Food Service Director and as a teacher until her retirement. Shirley was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton, Kentucky. She was a member of many professional organizations and was dedicated to her service in the church.
Shirley is survived by her son, John (Jill) Byassee of Clinton, Kentucky; her daughter, Jan (Josh) Johnson of Clinton, Kentucky, her sister, Ann (Donald) Sowders of Lexington, Kentucky, her grandchildren Katherine Byassee, Charles Byassee, John Eric Johnson, and J.B. Johnson. Her nieces Lynn (David) McGaughey and Jody (Chuck) Caudill.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Hall Byassee, Jr. and her beloved parents, Charles and Alice Garland.
A family burial will take place in Clinton, Kentucky.
Expressions of sympathy make take the form of donations to Gideon’s International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mrs. Shirley Byassee by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray is entrusted with caring for the family of Mrs. Shirley Byassee.