Margaret Shirley

Margaret Shirley of West Palm Beach, FL, departed this life peacefully on the evening of Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the age of 93. She was born on August 19, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of the late Charles and Edna "Annie" Brockett, Jr. After graduating high school, she began working for the Southern Bell Telephone Company in 1948 as a mail clerk. While working, she married and had three children: a daughter (Sharon) and two sons (Steve & Martin). In 1966 she temporarily left her work at the telephone company for 11 years and moved to Germany to accompany her husband, an active member of the military. She returned to Southern Bell in 1977 and continued her career, eventually serving as a Manager of Accounting. She retired in 1994 after over 35 years of dedicated service. After her retirement, she returned home to pursue a much more difficult and precious occupation: her devoted care of her special needs son, Martin. Margaret served as Martin's primary caregiver and his constant companion until his death in April of 2022. Margaret is survived by her grandchildren Shandi (KC) Tatje of Port St Lucie, Florida; Jennifer Keith of Gainesville, Florida; Niki (Tom) Sigler of Allegan, Michigan; Stephanie (Timothy) Clark of Winter Haven, Florida; Jonathan Hechavarria of Vicksburg, Michigan; Steven (Megan) Keith of Gainesville, Florida; seven great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Margaret was preceded in death by her children Sharon Hechavarria (10/2016); Steven B Keith (12/2004); and Martin Shirley (04/2022), as well as by her brother Larry Brockett, her sister Dorothy Van Ostrand and her niece Beverly Beale. Funeral services will be held at Palms West Funeral Home on Monday, January 22nd at 11:30am