MRS. SHIRLEY JOYCE THOMAS - BROOMES - Age 71, of Dublin, GA, formerly of Paterson, NJ, entered eternal rest Thursday morning July 27, 2023 at Fairview Hospital in Dublin, GA. She was born on November 20, 1951 to the late Nathaniel Thomas, Sr. and the former Elaine (Burger) Thomas. Shirley was a graduate of Eastside High School and Montclair State University with a degree in Home Economics with a minor in Childhood Education. After graduating, she taught for 5 years at Eastside High School and pursued a career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. Later, she was employed by Continental/United Airlines until her retirement in 2020. During her tenure with Eastern and Continental she fellowshipped at Ever Increasing Faith Ministries (Faith Dome) in Los Angeles, CA under Frederick KC Price, Sr. and fellowshipped at First Baptist Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, under Dr. Charles Stanley. She participated in many civic, social, and political activities in her community. Shirley was also a well-known fashion designer and model briefly in the 1970's and 1980's. She was also involved in the 1984 Jesse Jackson presidential campaign. She relocated to Dublin, GA in 1981 where she lived the rest of life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Nathaniel Thomas, Sr.; mother, Elaine (Burger) Thomas; brother, Nathaniel Thomas, Jr.; younger sister, Crystal Foubister; half-sister, Sebrina Thomas; niece, Jasmin Thomas; nephew, Shae Bloomer.

Shirley will be forever loved, cherished, and remembered by her beloved family and friends: leaving behind a loving husband, James Bernard Broomes of Dublin, GA; mother-in-law, Emma Broomes of Dublin, GA; sisters, Jacquelin Thomas of Gainesville, GA and Etoy Thomas of Bridgeton, NJ; brother, Anthony (Antoinette) Thomas of Bridgeton, NJ; nieces and nephews, Joshua A Thomas, James Thomas, Joi Thomas, Jacob (Hanna) Thomas, Fantasia Maine, Warren Maine, Nathaniel Bloomer, Shannon Thomas, Anthony Thomas, Jr., Giovanni (Sheba) Thomas, Dionte Thomas; a host of cousin, other relatives, and very close friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Howell, Eulogist. The family will receive extended family and friends on Saturday from 11:00 A. M. until the funeral hour. Interment; West Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.