Shirley Ann Pierce Droke, aka Grammy, age 69, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, December 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving husband and children. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Reverend Walter Droke , of Hohenwald, TN; her devoted children: Rebekah (Jason) Sykes of Bartlett, TN, Jennifer Hensley of Hohenwald, TN, and Eric (Liz) Droke of Spring Hill, TN; her exceptional grandchildren: Jacob, Jorja, and Jessie Sykes of Bartlett, TN; Judah, Cherish, and Zeke Hensley of Hohenwald, TN; Abigail, Lex, and Jasper Droke of Spring Hill, TN; her sisters: Cynthia (Travis, dec.) Grimsley of Jackson, TN, Sylvia (Wayne) Spencer of Martin, TN, Carol (Eddie) Tucker of Gadsden, AL; and brother Steve Pierce of Oxford, MS. She is preceded in death by her parents Athel and Vernie Pierce.

Shirley was a lifelong servant of Jesus Christ. She began serving the kingdom as a young person and later served alongside her husband, Walter. They began ministry together soon after marriage and later pastored The United Pentecostal Church of Manchester, TN for 7 years, and The Sanctuary First United Pentecostal Church of Hohenwald, TN for 21 years.  She functioned as pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, puppeteer, worship leader, ladies’ leader, usher, cook, greeter, janitor, and any other necessary duty that would support the Kingdom of God. She was fondly known for her sense of humor and ability to make others laugh. This included her comedic roles as Amelia Bedelia and Sis. Kiwi.  During her years of service, she was honored to lead the Women’s Ministry Division of the Tennessee District UPCI.  During her leadership, Shirley founded the annual Tennessee District Ladies’ Conference because she believed the spiritual benefits of such an event should be affordable and available to all of the female laity of Tennessee.

Shirley also had the distinct honor of serving as a missionary to Kenya from 1999 to 2006. She primarily taught in the Bible School in Nairobi, Kenya, guiding students to a deeper understanding of the Gospel. She had an intense love for the Kenyan people and their culture, which she carried with her the remainder of her days.

In her boundless efforts to establish the Kingdom of God in her beloved Lewis County, she also served the local community as a registered nurse for 26 years. Her intense love for Jesus and people caused her patients and coworkers to routinely seek her out for prayer and Godly wisdom.

Shirley was a lover of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, her family, her friends, and countless others. She had a gift for expressing sincere love and respect for everyone she met. Her life was poured out in the embodiment of the hands and feet of Jesus in her community.

Visitation with the Droke family will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 11am to 2pm with a memorial service to follow. All will take place at The Sanctuary United Pentecostal Church located at 95 Swan Avenue, Hohenwald, TN.  Pastor Justin Pearcy, Reverend Tim Wachtstetter, Reverend Doug Ellingsworth, and Reverend Jerry Richardson will officiate.

McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Droke family.