Shirley Brinley, age 78, of Cross Plains, TN passed away at the NHC Nursing Facility in Hendersonville, TN on Monday, May 30th.
Shirley was a feisty woman with a heart of gold! She loved to quilt, tend to her yard and veggies, and she would give you the shirt off her back if she knew you needed it. She could grow a tree from a stick and could cure most illness with herbs passed down from her Native American heritage. In her mobile years, she loved to walk up and down the main road and the public lake (Shiloh) to clean up trash and debris. She was always trying to do her part to help where she could. She was a strong believer in the Lord and had unshakeable faith. She was dedicated to her church – Church of God. While some knew her to be a bit of a spitfire, she definitely had her tender side as well.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Forest Brinley whom she loved dearly. They married young and spent their entire life together, sharing a love like no other up until Forest passed away in 2005. She missed him tremendously and I know their reunion was a glorious day for both of them.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Fries (spouse Ted), son, Mike Brinley (spouse Nora), son, Mitch Brinley (spouse Debbie), and daughter, Marsha Gunn (spouse Wendell). She has multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
At Shirley’s wish, there are no services scheduled at this time and the immediate family will be gathering together to sprinkle her and Forest’s ashes in the place of her preference. If you would like to donate in her name, Shirley was passionate about all animals, so please make a contribution of your choice to the American Human Society.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
