Shirley H. Vernon

Shirley Harper Vernon died on June 6th 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.

She was the daughter of the late James Clifton Harper and DuPont Peeples Harper. Shirley was born on December 20, 1935 in Portsmouth, Virginia and was raised in Martin, South Carolina. She lived most of her life in Augusta, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Thurston Vernon, with whom she had three sons: Randy (Linda), Steve (Carol) and Alan (Marie). She is also survived by her husband Hollis Lee Martin and brother, Jim Harper (Cathy) and her sister, Joyce H. McMillan. Shirley was affectionately known by her grandchildren as Hon: Travis, Evan, Laura, Lindsey Werrick (Tyler), Justin, Jamie, Jessica and Sarah; great grandchildren: Abby and Charlotte. She was predeceased by her brother: Hayne Harper (Sandy) and her daughter in law Carolyn L. Vernon.

For many years, the Vernon’s owned and operated Kingsway Pharmacy where the boys enjoyed helping after school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Augusta College and a Master of Librarianship from the University of South Carolina. Shirley helped develop Savannah Lakes Village as the Marketing Manager. Upon retirement she moved to Hickory Knob on Lake Thurmond. She loved the outdoors, camping, traveling, spending time with her family at the lake house.

The family requests that any donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org .

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com .

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date in Lower Three Runs Cemetery.