Shirley Dean Dempsey

Shirley Dean Parsons Dempsey, 85 of Pleasant Grove Alabama passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 15, 2025.
She was born and raised in Wylam, Alabama where she met and married the "love of her life," John R. Dempsey. They raised and loved four children and numerous grandchildren, telling us daily "how blessed" they have been.
She attended Wylam Elementary and Ensley High School. A faithful servant of the Lord and loving mother and wife attended Wylam Presbyterian Church where she was very active in the Women of the Church and later attended Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Eastern Star, served as a volunteer for hospice, baking birthday cakes and making goodies for each patient. She consistently supported and participated in her children's school and community activities. She loved gardening, sewing, and many other crafts and hobbies.
She has been reunited in heaven with loved ones who have preceded her in death. Her parents, Walter and Irene Parsons; husband, John R. Dempsey; and daughter, Cathy Jean Dempsey McLeod. Survivors: daughters, Terri Salter (Tom), Paula Moore (Joel); son, John Dempsey, Jr. (Renee); grandchildren, Ken Salter (Allison), Brooke Salter (Alex), John Dempsey III, Amanda Irvin, R.J. McConatha. Christopher McLeod (Hope), Bryan McLeod, Jason Adkins, and Brandon Adkins (Lynn). She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and beloved friends.
Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. She shared her God given gifts each day, serving others in need and loving all who knew her. Never one to want to be in the spotlight but helping others to believe and trust that all would be well.
Even in dying she continued to give and bless us with family, love, forgiveness, and patience which we are forever grateful. We will miss seeing her sweet face and hearing her words of encouragement and love, but rejoice in the promise we will see her again knowing she will be singing praises with a clear mind and healed body with our Lord and Savior
A special thank you to our friend, Ruby Annette Fulton who helped care and support mom and family during this past year.
A Celebration of life will be held at Patterson Forest Grove, Friday, January 17, beginning at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment will follow in Forest Grove Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Alzheimer's Association of Central Alabama https://alzca.org
Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Dempsey family during their time of bereavement. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com