Shirley Upton Hughes

Mrs. Shirley Upton Hughes, age 88, of Rockmart, GA passed away Monday, February 12, 2024.  Shirley was a retired substitute teacher for Polk School District and has left us with cherished memories and a profound impact on the lives of her students.  Born on October 31, 1935, to the late William Thomas Upton, Jr. and Beulah Hiett Upton in her hometown of Rockmart, GA, Shirley dedicated her life to education and the nurturing of young minds.

Having completed her education as a high school graduate, Shirley embarked on a fulfilling career as a substitute teacher.  For many years, she graced the classrooms of Polk School District with her expertise and passion for teaching.  Shirley's love for her profession was evident in every interaction she had with her students.  She possessed a rare gift for making learning enjoyable and captivating for all who had the opportunity to sit under her instruction.

Beyond teaching, Shirley held many interests and talents.  An accomplished seamstress, she spent countless hours behind her sewing machine, creating beautiful garments and unleashing her boundless creativity onto each stitch.

Shirley's dedication to her community extended beyond the school walls.  She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church but found solace and belonging at Second Baptist Church for over five decades.  Her faith served as an unwavering pillar throughout her life, providing strength and guidance during both challenging and joyful times.

Shirley also had a love for travel.  Exploring new destinations allowed her to broaden her horizons and embrace the beauty of diversity that exists in our world.  With each journey she undertook, Shirley forged lasting memories, immersing herself in different cultures while enriching her own understanding of the world.

Shirley leaves behind an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ray Hughes, and a sister, Frances Scott.

Shirley's legacy is carried on by her adoring daughter, Dionda Hughes Brown and her husband Kirby, as well as her step-daughter, Donna Hughes Gamble and her husband Don.  she was a doting grandmother to Brody Brown, Jason Sproul, and Kristen Smith and cherished great-grandchildren to seven beloved souls.  Additionally, Shirley is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services to honor the remarkable life of Shirley Upton Hughes will be held in the chapel of Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Rev. David Warriner and Rev. Stevie Waddell officiating.  Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Shirley's family will receive friends at Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home Thursday evening, February 15, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will include Tommy Winters, David Winters, Greg Winters, Charlie Franklin, Mark Winters, Barry Franklin, Steve Phillips, and Teddy Yarbrough.   The "Girls Group" along with Sudie and James Gordy will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Because Shirley was so proud to be an Eagle Scout Grandparent, it is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Northwest Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America Camp Sidney Dew, 1013 N. 5th Ave #1, Rome, GA 30165.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Shirley Upton Hughes.