Shirley Fay Ashley

Shirley Fay Ashley, age 85, of Meridian, MS passed away peacefully Monday, November 20, 2023, at Diversicare of Meridian.

She was born December 19, 1938 in Louisville, MS. Before the family moved permanently to the Collinsville community, she spent many summers and breaks in the area with her grandmother, three younger brothers and many cousins. After high school, she moved to New Orleans, LA to attend nursing school and begin a long and fulfilling career in the nursing profession. She returned to the Meridian area in the late 70’s and by the end of her career, she had held jobs at each of the local hospitals, including the former Matty Hersee charity hospital.

She loved to share stories about her work with her family. In her earlier years, the stories highlighted experiences that the adventurous might call “fascinating”, but the squeamish might call “not appropriate dinner conversation.” In her later years, the stories reflected her sense of accomplishment and pride in the roles she played in saving lives, bringing new life into the world, and mentoring others. Her family is comforted by the fact that her legacy will live on through all the lives she touched.  Outside of nursing, she enjoyed working in the vegetable garden, keeping up with her extended family and friends, and doting on her many cats.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace D. Parkes, her mother Blossie J. Parkes, and her brothers Perry Parkes and Terry “Don” Parkes. She is survived by her brother Robert “Dempsey” Parkes and his wife Mary of Meridian, MS, her sister-in-law Karla Parkes of Canon City, CO, her sister-in-law Peggy Parkes of Meridian, MS, her nephews Ralph, Randy, Adam, and Josh, her nieces Vicki, Leslie, and Emmy, her honorary nephew Paul, and her beloved cat Muffin.

Per her request, there will be no formal service. The family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.