On September 1, 2017, Josephine Mitchem Shirley passed away at her son's home in Lanett.

Mrs. Shirley was born January 8, 1944 in West Point, Georgia. She attended the Lanett First Baptist Church. She graduated from Lanett High School in 1961 and went to Jacksonville State University and Southern Union State Community College. Mrs. Shirley worked for West Point Stevens for over 30 years. She was married to James Fred Shirley of Troy, Alabama. In 1991 she started Dave Shirley Photography in Lanett with her son, Dave Shirley. She truly enjoyed all the great people that she and Dave have photographed over the years at the studio, which included everything from babies to Seniors, to Lawyers, Judges, Mayors and Council Members. Some of her favorite things included cats and dogs, working with her son, Dave at the studio for over 28 years, home décor, and going to Antique Stores and Auctions.

Her parents were the late Thomas Jackson Mitchem and Hazel Dean Mitchem of Lanett. She is survived by her husband James Fred Shirley, son Dave Shirley, daughter in-law Lisa Shirley and sister Virginia Mitchem.

Because Josephine loved animals so much she requested that NO Flowers be sent. Instead, she requests that a donation be made in her name to either the Randolph County Animal Shelter in Wedowee, Alabama 104 Animal Shelter Road Wedowee, AL. 36278 or to Four Paws Animal Hospital 101 Parker Place LaGrange, GA 30240. Dr. Whitlow at Four Paws will use the funds donated to help animals in need when their owners can't afford the services their pet needs. Josephine had used Four Paws for over 17 years. She very much loved Dr. Whitlow and his staff. When she became to sick to take care of her beloved cats, Dr. Whitlow and his staff found loving homes for all of them. She also enjoyed donating items of need to the Randolph County Animal Shelter, as the county and cities around it do not fund the shelter itself.

Bluffton Funeral Home in Lanett is handling the arrangements. The visitation will be held Thursday, September 7, 2017, from 2:00 PM EDT until 3:30 PM EDT at Bluffton Funeral Services followed by a graveside service in Hillcrest Cemetery. Reverend John Frederick will officiate.

She requested that a donation be made in her name to either the Randolph County Animal Shelter in Wedowee, Alabama 104 Animal Shelter Road Wedowee, AL. 36278 or to Four Paws Animal Hospital 101 Parker Place LaGrange, GA 30240.

She requested that NO Flowers be sent.