Shirley Meade age 77 of Crestview went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 23, 2022. She was born in Sanford, Florida on January 14, 1945, to Ernest and Hazel Thomas. Shirley grew up in Clearwater, Florida and graduated from Clearwater High School. She then went on to Southeastern Bible College where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Music. Shirley and her family moved to Crestview in 1982. She taught school at Richbourg Jr. High School for several years. In 1998 Shirley and her husband Ron founded Lakewood Church and Lakewood Christian School in 1999.

          Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years Ron Meade and her daughter Heather Meade.

          Shirley is survived by her daughter Stephanie McAvoy, a brother Jim Thomas; along with Al Thomas and numerous nieces and nephews; and 150 children that called her Mrs. Shirley and Princessable.

          The celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Thursday October 6, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home. A time of visitation with the family will begin at 5:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s memory to Lakewood Church.         

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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