Shirley Marie (Holman) Stratton

We bid farewell to Shirley Marie Stratton of Athens, Alabama whose journey of life gracefully concluded on July 19, 2024, at the age of 84. Shirley was born in Huntsville, Alabama on March 29, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Lonnie and Bertha Holman (Salters).

She met her late husband in Vermont while visiting her sister Gracie. They were later married at The Lodge on December 7, 1973. Her beloved husband Smith “Smitty” Guy Stratton preceded her in death on June 21, 2018.

Shirley was primarily employed as a seamstress throughout most of her life. She was employed in sewing leather as well as cloth goods for the majority of employments. She enjoyed creating new styles of clothing for her children as well as her grandchildren in her free time. She greatly enjoyed reading throughout her life but mostly during her later years.

Shirley greatly enjoyed traveling. She joined a cruise club after retiring and had the enjoyment of traveling to many exotic places. Her house is full of photos from those trips. Her first journey aboard began with a two-week trip to Athens, Greece. The initial trip triggered a great desire to see more of the world. She and her husband did most of their traveling via cruise ships along with many friends.

She is preceded by her husband, Smith G. Stratton Jr.; son, Anthony R. Vollrath; stepdaughter, Tracey L. Merrow; brothers, Fritz L. Holman, Walter Ed Holman, Elbert Holman, Lonnie D. “L.D.” Holman Jr., Archie Harvey Holman, Todd L. Holman, and Harry Clifton Holman; and sisters, Gracie M. Stratton and Jimmy May Vassar.

She is survived by a sister, Mary Katherine Harbin of Courtland, Alabama; daughter, Pamela R. Rogers and her husband John R. of Bennington, Vermont; two sons, Lonnie D. Vollrath of Athens, Alabama and James T. Vollrath of Pownal, Vermont; stepson, Smith G. Stratton III; twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

 Shirley touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in hearts. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Shirley Marie Stratton to pay them a last tribute.

As we bid farewell to this cherished soul, solace is taken in the memories held dear. The laughter shared, the wisdom imparted, the moments of quiet reflection in their presence. Though Shirley may no longer walk among us, her spirit lives on in the echoes of her kindness, the warmth of her embrace, and the light of her enduring love.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville from 10:00am to 11:00am, with a graveside service immediately proceeding at 11:30am at Fowlkes Cemetery, Monrovia.

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