Shirley Ann Beck

Shirley Ann Burnette Beck, 91, of Gray, passed away, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm. Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hart’s Mortuary Jones County Chapel, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, Georgia, with Dr. Tommy Jordan officiating. Burial will follow the service at Elam Memorial Gardens, 203 Elam Church Road, Gray, Georgia, 31032.

Shirley was born on June 10, 1935, in James, Georgia, to the late John Henry Burnette and Maggie Louise Hawkins Burnette. She was one of thirteen children and grew up with a love for adventure that stayed with her throughout her life.

One of Shirley's favorite stories was about flying with her husband, John. "We would go get the plane, come back, and land on the road right in front of the house," she recalled. "There would be people out in their gardens hoeing, and he would swoop right down on them. We came in one day, and Sheriff Holmes Hawkins was there. All he said was, 'Good airport, good landing.'" Inspired by those experiences, Shirley eventually learned to fly herself, although she always said she wished she had gone even further with it.

Her adventurous spirit extended beyond aviation. Shirley developed a love for racing after attending a "Crazy 8" race in Macon. Before long, she was behind the wheel of race car T-99, where she proudly claimed she never lost a race. When she wasn't racing, she enjoyed bowling, reading, water skiing, working crossword puzzles, and maintaining her lifelong passion for exercise.

Above all, Shirley cherished her family and her faith. She was a longtime member of Elam Baptist Church and will be remembered for her spirited personality, determination, and love of life.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Joann Seabolt (Skip) of Macon; her sons, Wayne "Toot" Beck of Jones County and Clint Beck of Gray; her grandchildren, Becky Cauley (Scot), Tabby Seabolt, Dustin Seabolt (Melissa), Dwayne Beck (Heather), and Dawn Beck; her great-grandchildren, Kennedy Cauley, Coleman Cauley, Marley Seabolt, Cadence Seabolt, Brittany Hinzman (Michael), Lane Beck (Kaylee), Landon Beck, and A.J. Trawick; as well as many cherished friends.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, John Harold Beck Sr. and her twelve siblings.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences to the family.

Hart’s Mortuary, Jones County Chapel, has been trusted with the arrangements.