Mrs. Shirley Vetter Early, age 93, of Thomaston, GA, formerly of  Jacksonville, FL, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025.

Shirley was born on July 25, 1931 in Evanston, IL to the late George R. Vetter and Gertrude D. Vetter. She moved to Jacksonville, FL as a young child. Shirley graduated in 1949 from Landon High School and attended Newberry College until her father's passing. She returned home and worked for Southern Bell. Shirley married Irvine Early on April 14, 1956 and enjoyed being a homemaker once their children came along. She was a longtime member of Riverside Park United Methodist Church, serving in several capacities. After Irvine's retirement in 1992, they enjoyed spending the Summers and Falls at their cabin in Balsam, NC. They also traveled with friends to many places including Alaska, Nova Scotia, Europe, and all over the U.S.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and infant son. She is survived by her children, Baxter Early (Connie), Lynn Brown (Danny); grandchildren, Kyleigh and Gabriel Brown; nieces and nephews, Paul Hardison, Carol Hardison, Ann Davison (Jim), Melissa Hardison, Alexander Bowyer, as well as several cousins and many dear friends. The family would also like to thank Casey Knight and Liz Alsobrook for helping care for Shirley during the last 15 months.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, with a service at 11:00 am followed by interment at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 819 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, Crisis Assistance Ministries, 500-A Spratt St, Charlotte, NC 28206, or a charity of your choice.