Shirley Lavone Tackett Shaffer, age 72, of Grayson, Kentucky, peacefully departed this life to join her Lord on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the UK Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland. Born on July 17, 1953, in Carter County, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Harlan Sr. and Lucy V. Parsons Tackett.
Shirley was a devoted member of the Grayson Nazarene Church, where she found community and cultivated her faith. Throughout her life, she exemplified hard work and dedication, holding various roles in Grayson, including positions at Giovanni’s, Tom’s Pizza, Catatude Coffee Shop, and in her youth, she worked at the Mushroom Mines in Olive Hill. Her cheerful presence and unwavering spirit touched the lives of many.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by three brothers: Gary, Jack, and Danny Tackett, and one sister, Izetta Stone. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Freeman Ray Shaffer, who stood by her side through the joys and challenges of life. Shirley’s legacy lives on through her son, Chris Ray Shaffer, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Charles Dean Shaffer and McKayla Grace Shaffer, and her great-grandson, Atlas Lane Eldridge.
Shirley is also survived by four brothers: Harlan Tackett Jr., Paul (Rita) Tackett, Bart (Denise) Tackett, all of Grayson, and Gilbert Tackett of Florida; two sisters, Joyce Dean of North Carolina and Lesa (Joey) Trimper of Winchester, Kentucky; along with a host of friends and extended family who will deeply miss her warmth and kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Malone Funeral Home in Grayson, with Bro. Delmar Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in East Carter County Memory Gardens. Friends may visit from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday and again after 9 a.m. on Friday until the service hour.
In heartfelt remembrance, condolences may be sent to the Shaffer family via www.malonefuneralhome.com. Shirley’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.