Shirley Imogene Lewis-Hardin of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer on September 15, 2019, at home with her family by her side. She is an angel in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now, resting peacefully at last.
She was born at home to the late Rev. E.L. Lewis and Etta McCoury Lewis on September 10, 1937 in Morrison City-Sullivan County, Tenn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Grant N. Hardin Jr.; her sister, Ilene Atkins; and brother, William Lewis.
Shirley was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ. Shirley attended a small elementary school in Stoney Creek, Tenn., called Winter School in 1944, and then moved to Valley Forge Elementary. She graduated from Elizabethton High School, which is now T.A. Dugger Junior High.
Shirley was a businesswoman working for British Motor Corporation as their car model for the MGC, six cylinder roadster. She also worked for Big Star Foods, Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P, and SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories.
She was the light of her family’s life and their advocate. She was a mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who taught her family by example with passion what it means to live a faith driven life of love and service to others. Shirley was a caregiver; she took incredible care of her mother, Etta McCoury Lewis, a special friend of 12 years, Ed Overby, and her great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
Shirley died at home at the age of 82. She was also known as “Mama Shirley” to her family. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Elliott Wade; her grandchildren, Rachelle Elliott Byrd, husband Jason Byrd, Jason Elliott and Todd Elliott; her great-grandchildren, Austin Elliott, Mia Elliott, Lela Byrd, Marshall Byrd and Tyson Elliott; and one sister, Inez Grindstaff. Special family members include Jackie Elliott, Jamie Ross Patton, Brooke Grindstaff, Roma Calhoun Baker, Skip Sparks, Tony and Tricia Atkins, Dave and Jane Byrd, and special friends, Mitiz Kyte, Linda Westmoreland, Jacinda Foster and Sharon Cullers.
Shirley loved to cook. When she was a little girl, she helped her mother in the kitchen inspiring her to be the “Family Chef.” She always said, “Cooking is a heart full of creativity; when you dance in your kitchen, mix your imagination with a twist and put together a delicious meal for your family.” She was famous for her cabbage rolls with money at New Year’s Eve, wrapped chicken livers with bacon, strawberry candy, peanut butter cookies, fudge, Smore’s and more.
The family wanted to thank all the friends that made Mama Shirley’s last year and her birthday so amazing and wonderful.
A special thank you to Jim Montag Jr. PA-C. He is truly a remarkable doctor and professional that our family respects and trust. He has become a great friend; including Dr. Devapiran Jaishankar and Dr. Elizabeth Lawson. Also a special thank you to Amedisys Hospice; Debbie Hinkle, Megan Renfro, Gail Miller, Chris Hughes, Jerry Lawson, Wilma Goldberry, and all the other doctors, nurses, and staff at the Clinics and Sycamore Shoals and a special thank you to Kimberly Sexton Jamerson, as her breast cancer support mentor.
The family will be receiving friends at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 212 N. Main St., Elizabethton, TN 37643 on Wednesday, September 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow, with Pastor Chris Hughes officiating. Those who wish to make donations in lieu of flowers may make them to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, is serving the Hardin family.