Graveside service for Shirley Jeans Vliet, age 76, of Huntsville, AL, formerly of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Gardens with Bro. Richard Hughes officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11 am until 1 pm on Monday at Higgins.
Shirley passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital. Born on December 3, 1948, in Lincoln County, TN, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Alexander Smith and Eleanor Katherine Markham Smith. Raised on a dairy farm in the Mulberry community, Shirley was a proud graduate of Central High School. She dedicated many years as a receptionist, serving with warmth and kindness at Coca-Cola, First Baptist Church, and later in a physician’s office. Shirley had a passion for life and a creative spirit. She found joy in gardening, sewing, and cross-stitching, and her artistic talent shone through in her beautiful paintings. She loved to travel, dance, and spend time with friends, always embracing life with a smile. A woman of faith, she attended Huntsville Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Above all, Shirley treasured her family, who meant the world to her. Her love, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved her. You could always count on Shirley to be there with a smile.
Survivors include her husband, Karl Joseph “Joe” Vliet; son, Michael (Becca) Jeans; daughters, Michelle (Johnny) Campbell and Crystal (Lance) Sylvester; step-sons, Karl Vliet and Jacob Vliet; 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; beloved sisters-in-law, Betty Carol Poole and Tina (Jackie) Arrington. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond Wayne Jeans; and her sister, Sherry Smith.
Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Jeans Vliet.
We just found out Shirley passed and I am so sorry we missed the visitation. She was an amazing women I am so glad we got to know her. Joe I know you will truly miss her. She had such a bright and shining personality for everyone. Prayers for all.
I was shocked when I got the very sad news of Shirley passing away. We became very close friends when we worked together for about a year. We even got to enjoy the beach together on one vacation to Florida. I loved her like a sister and will miss her very much! I know you will all miss her terribly. You are all in my prayers. Remember she is your Angel! Prayers, love and hugs to all! I plan on being there Monday.
Joe and family, I was so sorry to hear about Shirley. We met in high school and have been good friends since then. She will be greatly missed. Joe, you were so attentive and loving to her, always taking care of her every need. I have had foot surgery and will not be able to attend her service on Monday, but know you and the family will be in our prayers. Love, Barbara and C.N
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Shirley was a special person who always made you smile. She was a wonderful lady and will be very much missed. May each of you, her family, cherish your sweet memories.
Joe,
Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Judie and Norm Toti
Michael, Michelle, and Crystal, and family.
Sending my deepest sympathy to you all. Shirley was such a a sweet friend. Love and hugs to you all. I won’t be able to attend her services on Monday, but you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings on all of Shirley’s family at this sad time. Joe, I know you made her life happy again and am so glad you two found each others. Michael, Michelle, and Crystal, you all had a wonderful and beautiful mama who was total sweetness. Sending all of you much love.
Shirley was such a wonderful friend since the first year at Mulberry School. Always had a loving smile on her pretty face. I truly have lost my best friend.
To all the family,
Your memories of Shirley are to be treasured. May they bring tears of joy and smiles of love. I have many with Shirley over these years. Prayers for peace, comfort and healing in these days to come. May God bless and hold you close.
Praying for the family and friends. Shirley was such a sweet lady
Michael, Michelle, Crystal, Joe, and family
I was heartbroken to hear of Shirley’s passing. I had the best conversation with her about a month ago in Costco. She always had a smile for you and wanted to know about everyone. May God wrap his arms around each of you and give you comfort and peace. Love to this sweet family!