Shirley June Fordham Mullis

Shirley June Fordham Mullis

June 27, 1936 – November 21, 2024

Saint George, Utah – Shirley June Fordham Mullis, age 88, passed away on November 21, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. Shirley was born on June 27, 1936, at home in Dodge County, Georgia. She was the daughter of Robert Reno and Myrtle Celester Bates Fordham. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.

Shirley graduated from Dodge County High School in 1953. She worked a short time at the shirt factory before securing a position at Robins Air Force Base in 1958. In 1963, she relocated to Memphis, Tennessee to work at the Defense Industrial Plant Equipment Center (DIPEC). During her career, she received many awards and recognition for her excellent work and contributions. A highlight of her career was being recognized for her efforts in supporting Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In 1992, she retired after 34 years of service. 

In 2002, Shirley relocated to Jasper, Indiana to be near her family. This was followed by other relocations to Saratoga Springs, Utah in 2009 and to Saint George, Utah in 2020. Even though she left the South, she was proud to be from the South. Her favorite line was, “You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl.” Shirley had a strong Southern accent with a sassy attitude and a great sense of humor that was endearing to many. She loved Southern food, specifically her red eye grits and butter beans. In cooking, she was known for making the best creamed corn and strawberry pies. She also maintained her adventurous spirit throughout her life. 

Her ability to live beyond 88 years was a combination of being very health conscious about her diet and taking long walks to keep in shape. However, she did enjoy her Diet Dr. Pepper and chicken parmesan from Olive Garden. 

Shirley loved to work in the garden and especially liked growing tomatoes and roses. Sitting on the patio, listening to Frank Sinatra and enjoying her garden was a treat she enjoyed. Shirley also loved to stay updated on current events and watched Fox News every day. She was always ready to express her opinions about world events. Additionally, she liberally shared her life stories and lessons learned with others, especially her grandchildren.

Shirley was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She recognized and was grateful for all the blessings she received from her Heavenly Father and had great faith in Jesus Christ. She loved to work in the temple when her health permitted and enjoyed doing family history research. She was also generous in helping the needy. 

Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Glen Richard and Sherlyn Mullis of Saint George, Utah, ten grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Patsy Fordham Mullis and several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Her family and friends would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Dixie Hospice of Saint George, Utah (especially Lil) for providing loving care and concern for her needs and for bringing her peace and comfort in her final weeks.

A Remembrance of Shirley’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 1pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 198 S 6th Street in Cochran, Georgia. A visitation will be held from 11am – noon prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at the Yearty Cemetery.