Shirley Jean Weaks

Shirley Jean Weaks, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Ethridge, Tennessee. A former longtime resident of Onsted, Michigan, Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her family and many friends.

Born on August 15, 1940, in Hohenwald, Tennessee, to the late Roy and Rena Burleson Copeland. Shirley moved to Michigan as an infant and lived there for most of her life. In 2021, she relocated to Ethridge, Tennessee, to live with her daughter Renee and son-in-law Eddy.

Shirley was a devoted homemaker for many years and also worked as a secretary for the family dry wall business. She was a woman of great warmth and spirit, known for her kindness, sense of humor, generosity, and unwavering loyalty. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Shirley had the rare gift of making everyone feel loved and welcome. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.

A strong believer in Jesus, Shirley lived her faith daily and was a beautiful example of someone who walked in the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Her life was a testimony of grace and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years Gene Weaks, her siblings Willburn, Bob, Jim, and Mike Copeland; her son Randall Kelley; her grandchildren Coty and Patrick; and great-grandchildren Bella, Caysin, and Nathaniel.

Shirley is survived by her children Renee (Eddy) Inman, Bob (Cindy) Kelley, Roger (Vicky) Kelley, and stepdaughter Dawn (Scott) Schroeder; her sister Mary White of Fowlerville, MI; her many grandchildren — Randy, Michael, Christina, David, Josh, Brian, Preston, Trista, Jeff, Shane, Garrett, Cortnie, Michael, Brandon, and Lindsey; and a large and loving group of great-grandchildren — Brenton, Christian, Kylie, Layla, Momoh, Amara, Hannah, Brianna, Amelia, Olivia, Lilly, Seth, Lilli, Lana, Abigail, Mia, Savannah, Dominic, Emilia, Collin, Bradley, Ryan, Cameron, Alex, Blake, Raelynn, Bryan, Chase, Evelyn, Acie, Silas, Wally, and Marlene.

A memorial service will be held in Michigan on Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 PM at West Wayne Freewill Baptist Church, 4040 S. John Hix Road, Wayne, Michigan.

Shirley’s memory will forever be cherished by the many lives she touched. Her love lives on in each of us.