Mrs. Shirley Ann Richards Eaton, age 81, of Rock Springs, Georgia, formerly of Dalton, Georgia, who peacefully departed this life on the afternoon of Monday, July 7, 2025, at Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Born on December 16, 1943, in Grantville, Georgia, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Doris and Benny Slate. She grew up in Dalton, where she attended North Dalton Elementary and proudly graduated from Dalton High School with the Class of 1962.

Shirley's life was a testament to the enduring power of love — love for her family, for her community, and above all, for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A woman of unwavering faith, she was a former member of Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church and a devoted current member of Community Baptist Church in Rock Springs, Georgia.

Shirley dedicated over two decades of her life to caring for children as the cherished owner of Playland Day Care, where her nurturing spirit touched countless young lives.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Johnny "J.C." Richards, who passed on December 27, 1990. Their union was blessed with a beautiful family, whom she loved fiercely and prayed for always.

Shirley leaves behind a loving legacy through her devoted husband of ten years, William Charles "Bill" Eaton of Rock Springs, GA; her four daughters: Angie (Bret) Douglas of Rossville, GA, Kathy (Scott Hammock of Resaca, GA, Traci (Eric) Lewallen of Dalton, GA, Kris (Jeff) York of Clarkston, MO;

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy: Felicia Bowers, Heather Stagg, Jonathan Douglas, Tiffany Lewallen, Sarah Sprayberry, Kaitlyn Payne, Matthew Hammock, and Justin Bennett, along with their beloved spouses; and sixteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear sister Ann Mathis and her companion Bennie Ellis of Royston, GA; her brother Gary Slate of Conyers, GA; several loving nieces and nephews and her beloved cat, Angel.

Shirley's parting message to her family echoes her abiding faith and enduring love:

"To My Family — always remember I love you all with all my heart. Make sure you are saved and always right with the Lord. He has blessed me with the prettiest, best family anyone could have. Be happy and try to love one another until I see you again in Heaven. Love, Mom (Nanny and Great Nana)"

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Mrs. Shirley Ann Richards Eaton will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Mike Angel and Reverend Ronald Guffey officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bret Douglas, Jonathan Douglas, Scott Hammock, Matthew Hammock, Clayton Sprayberry, and Farrell Sprayberry. Gary Slate and Justin Bennett will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, continuing until the hour of the service.

Arrangements by:
Ponders Melrose Chapel
138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721
Phone: (706) 226-4002
www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org