Shirley A. Thomas

Shirley Ann Barber, was born on June 23, 1944 in McDonough, GA to the late Albert and Rosie Mae Barber. Shirley, confessed Christ as her savior at an early age. She was an active member at Unity Grove Baptist Church in Locust Grove, GA; where she loved singing in the junior choir as well as serving as an usher. On March 3, 1963, Shirley married Freddie Thomas and later moved her church membership to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. Shirley was a very dedicated, committed and determined Woman of God. For many years, she sang with the adult choir, and assisted with the youth choir and various other youth programs. She loved the children and spent many summers working with Vacation Bible School. She was the public transportation for many kids because she picked them up and returned them safely home, to ensure they got the opportunity to participate in VBS. She served as the president of the Pastor’s Aide for 6 years. She later became a member of the usher board and served as their president for many years. Additionally, she served as a deaconess as well as a mother board member. She was the choir mom for the Henry County Youth United in Christ Community Choir. Wherever they traveled, she was always right there to cheer them on! There was no job too large or small when serving was involved. In the 1970’s, Shirley was one of the few Black female entrepreneurs in McDonough, Ga. As a licensed, master cosmetologist, she rented a building on Macon Street along with her sister Evyone, and opened T & D Beauty Salon. T & D was instrumental in jumpstarting the careers of young stylists. In the late 70’s she purchased 1 ¼ acres of land on Simpson Street, and hired a contractor to build her own salon. Shirley’s Hairworld, has been instrumental in the community since it’s grand opening. Many young stylists from the Henry County area started their careers at Shirley’s Hairworld. She opened her doors for employment to anyone who had a will, passion and drive to work hard towards acquiring success! Shirley, was preceded in death by her sister Geraldine, her father Albert Barber Sr., siblings Laura, Herbert, Curtis and mother, Rosie Mae Barber. Following a valiant battle with a rare form of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Shirley gained her wings early Monday morning February 6, 2017. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her fight, and ultimately gave her peace. Shirley, leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 54 years, Freddie Thomas; her daughter, Yolanda Thomas-Wright of Stockbridge GA; son Frederick (Audrey) Thomas of Jenkinsburg GA; her beloved and only grandchild Briyana Wright of New Orleans, LA; sister Evyone(Walter) Daniel of McDonough, GA; brother Albert Barber Jr. of McDonough GA; aunts Stella McCord of Locust Grove, GA and Lois McCord of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law Martha Mccord of McDonough, GA; Viola (Ivery) Craddock of Ellenwood, GA; Lois (Billy) Tyler of McDonough,GA; Ida (Grady) Meadows of College Park, GA; brothers-in-law Edward (Barbara) Thomas of McDonough, GA; Robert Thomas of Griffin, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shirley A. Thomas

June 23, 1944 - February 6, 2017