Shirley Ann Boatman

Shirley Ann Boatman, much loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on September 13, 2024. 

Shirley was born on July 18, 1941, in Tazwell, TN and later settled in Oak Ridge in 1959. Together, her and her husband raised 3 Children: Butch Boatman, Gwen Reichel and Vern Boatman

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lillian Hill and survived by her 3 children and their respective spouses, Jonetta, David & Susan, 10 grandchildren, and 2 siblings, brother Mack and Pat Hill and sister Lavern and Ronald Meyers of Oak Ridge.

Shirley went to work as a Technical Illustrator in 1977 at Union Carbide, which is now known as the National Security Complex. She retired after 25 years of service in 2002. Her retirement was filled with travel and time with family. She especially loved spending time with family on the beach, reading great novels, sticking her toes in the sand and listening to the sounds of the ocean. While at home, she loved tending to her flower beds and working in her yard. She also enjoyed regularly gathering with her high school friends whom she had known for some 50+ years. But what brought her the most joy was doting over her 10 grandchildren! She was always there to shower them with adoration and affection. She was happiest organizing and cooking for family gatherings, both large and small. The smell of Grandma’s biscuits in the morning always made you feel at home.

Shirley will be forever remembered for her warm and nurturing ways, her truly funny sense of humor and her want and willingness to care for family and friends. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to Adoration Hospice Care and the Patriot Assisted Living staff. These 2 teams were truly focused on providing exceptional care during Shirley’s final stages of life. 

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20th, 12:00pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pat Summitt Foundation, for the study of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. www.patsummitt.org 

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home is assisting the Boatman family.