Shirley Annette Bedford (Ryals), 61, of Millington, TN, flew to Heaven on April 9, 2022. Shirley spent 42 years of her journey on earth as a wife, companion, best friend, and soulmate to retired USMC Michael Bedford Sr. It was destiny that brought them together and added to their family, allowing her to fulfill the ever so important role of Chief Operating Officer of the Bedford household as it traveled and ultimately settled in Millington, TN.

To meet Shirley was to love Shirley; her kindness and love of family radiated for all that met her to see. Her passion for taking care of others manifested beyond her family, and she often found herself rescuing and caring for many types of four-legged and feathered friends.

You will never meet a person more passionate than she is for University of Georgia football. You could take the girl out of Georgia, but you could never take the home state pride out of this Georgia Peach, "Go Dawgs."

Shirley is survived by her husband Mike, children Kenneth Stacy Bedford and Pamela Bedford of the home, daughter Lynnie Guzman (Miguel) and granddaughter Marianna of Fayetteville, NC and Son Michael Bedford Jr. of Memphis, TN. She was born to and preceded in death by Kenny and Lucille Ryals of Brunswick, GA.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for 1 pm on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at the Aycock Park pavilion in Millington, TN. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal nonprofit or the hummingbird society in her memory.