Shirley Ann Gorley, loving partner of Gerald W. Gorley (Jerry) for more than 55 years, died on Saturday, July 25, 2020. She was 84.

Diagnosed with a terminal illness about a year ago, Shirley died in her home following months of care by Jerry, family members, and WellStar Community Hospice.

"Shirley, for these 55 years of marriage, has been that great pearl of value to Jerry," said the Rev. Mark Beatty, senior pastor of the Gorleys long-time spiritual home, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Beatty honored the Gorleys at a recent church service.

Born in Rochester, NY, Shirley, Jerry and their family moved to Marietta, GA, in 1978. Shirley loved to travel, and visited every continent with Jerry, as well as every state in the United States. She was an active volunteer with the Telephone Pioneers. She was active in her church, and an avid participant in water aerobics.

Shirley is survived by her husband Jerry; granddaughter Erin Gorley Ellingwood, her husband Christopher K. Ellingwood, and son Chase E. Ellingwood of Kennesaw, GA; grandson Joseph G. Gorley and his wife Nazly S. Gorley of Marietta; daughter Kerry A. Owenby and her husband Don Owenby; granddaughter, Haley Owenby of Marietta, GA; daughter-in-law Cynthia G. Miller and her husband Edward D. Miller of Woodstock, GA; step-son Ronald Gorley and his wife Elizabeth Gorley of Cincinnati, OH, and their children Rebecca Gorley of St. Louis, MO, and David Gorley and wife Madeline Gorley of Cincinnati, OH; and niece Joann Moore and her husband Thomas Moore of Rochester, NY; and nephew David Werth of Webster, NY.

Shirley is preceded in death by her son Keith E. Gorley of Marietta, GA, and sister Lillian Werth of Tampa, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to WellStar Community Hospice. Details about a virtual service will be announced by Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.