Shirley Medley McGinnis

Shirley Medley McGinnis of Dunwoody passed away on August 27, 2011. She was born in Glendale, California to Oscar W. Medley and Elva Wise Medley. As the child of CWO O.W. Medley, U.S. Army, Shirley traveled and lived many places including Pensacola, Florida, Heidelberg, Germany, Jacksonville, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas.



She attended Shorter College in Rome, Georgia where she met her husband, Jere E. McGinnis. They married in July 1964. Shirley graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1965 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music.



Her teaching career began at Cave Spring Elementary school. She then taught music at Dunwoody Elementary school, as well as private piano lessons for over 35 years. One of the greatest joys in her life was teaching children. She leaves a legacy and love of music to all her many students. Shirley was a gifted musician who played several different instruments, primarily piano, and enjoyed playing and writing music. She served as a church pianist in two Dunwoody congregations and even as a pianist for a gospel music group. Shirley was also a prolific poet who enjoyed writing for pleasure as well as including her poetry in personalized cards she loved making for others.



Active in the local community throughout the years, Shirley served in the PTA, homeowner’s association, and volunteered her time as a Girl Scout troop leader and Service Unit Director. In keeping with her love of working with children, she drove a school bus for DeKalb County for 25 years, most of that time with special needs children whom she dearly loved. Shirley also loved animals and adored her many pet birds and dogs.



Shirley never sat still for very long and was always active at something. Not only did she drive a school bus and teach piano, she also was an “Avon lady” for many years and enjoyed all the relationships she developed through that enterprise. She had many hobbies including running, gardening, using her computer and photography. Shirley and Jere also enjoyed spending time together and relaxing in Ellijay.



Shirley was a wonderful wife to Jere, mother to Jackie, and grandmother to Aaron and Claire. She would say the most precious people in the world to her were her grandchildren. They were truly the lights of her life and she was so extremely proud of them. She was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Shirley was kind, patient, loving, intelligent, and had an incredible sense of humor. She could always make you laugh! Most importantly, she was a servant of Christ and lived her life accordingly. She thoroughly studied the Bible and trusted God’s plan for her life, even though it was a difficult journey with her health these last few years. Shirley always had hope and looked to the future. We miss her so much on this earth, but know we’ll see her again someday in heaven.



Survivors include her husband, Jere McGinnis; daughter, Jackie Williams and husband, Michael of Kennesaw and grandchildren, Aaron and Claire Williams. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Red Cross or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.