With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Drawdy family announce the passing of their kind, loving, caring, and generously giving mother, Shirley Anne Drawdy, 76, of Folkston, Ga. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 16 with her family by her side, as she walked into the arms of Jesus.

She was born September 24, 1946, in Darien, Ga, to the late Thorpe and Ellaree Young. After high school, Shirley held many titles in her career. She was a hard worker that was always up for the challenge. She was very successful in everything she chose to attempt, whether that was being a Mom and raising 5 children, driving a Semi Truck, managing a store, or running a restaurant, she mastered them all. Shirley was a fun spirited soul that was always ready to engage in good friendly banter when others wanted to challenge her quick clever wit. She had a passion for singing and dancing. Shirley was a beautiful person inside and out that made an impact on many lives and will be forever missed by all who knew her. She loved her family deeply and we all certainly loved her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, Emory Aley Drawdy Sr; a daughter, Melissa Anne Drawdy; a grandson, Justin Aley Varnes; one sister, Debby Young, and two Brothers, Larry Young and Robert Young. She is survived by her children, Emory Aley Drawdy Jr, Angela Drawdy Holden (Douglas), Michelle Drawdy Maggart (Rod) and Keri Drawdy Johns, who were the light of her life. 19 Grandchildren & 49 Great-grandchildren. 2 Brothers, James Young (Marissa) and Joe Young. 3 Sisters, Joanne Young (Ronnie), Reta Young Matlick (Jeff) and Peggy Young Dinkins (Tom). Shirley's memory lives on in many nieces, nephews and a number of other family and friends.

Shirley was of strong faith in Christ and used her faith to give her strength to help her deal with life's challenges. Her legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us. As a woman of faith, Shirley wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. She would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life. Therefore, family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life Service to be held May 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Camp Pinckney Baptist Church in Folkston, Ga.