Shirley Wilson Farmer

Shirley Eugene Wilson Farmer, age 76 of Buchanan, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Anniston, Alabama, on October 6, 1949, she was the daughter of the late James Eugene Wilson and the late Beatrice Price Wilson. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son Larry DeWayne Farmer; her sister, Betty Myers; her brothers, Lamar Hicks, Jessie Wilson, Calvin Wilson, and Bobby Wilson; her son-in-law, Dennis Tims; her sisters-in-law, Ruby Farmer and Kay Farmer; and her brother-in-law, Raymond Elliott.

Shirley was a beloved nurse, devoted foster parent, and cherished member of her community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Floyd College, embarking on a career in health care where she touched countless lives with her compassionate care and dedication. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her profession, as evidenced by her role as a foster parent to 21 children, opening her heart and home to those in need. Shirley’s love knew no bounds; she cherished those connected to her by blood and those she embraced by choice.

A lifelong member of Tallatoona Community Action and a valued DAV member, Shirley’s commitment to improving the lives of others was deeply woven into the fabric of her daily existence. Alongside her professional and community efforts, she found joy and fulfillment coaching baseball, t-ball, and softball. Her vivacious personality was marked by a warmth that welcomed everyone she encountered and she was known to “never meet a stranger." One of Shirley’s proudest accomplishments was her spirited participation as a drag race car driver, competing in two national race competitions—a testament to her adventurous soul and fearless nature. Central to Shirley’s world was her family. She shared an enduring love with her husband of 58 years, Buddy Farmer, who was not only her partner but also her best friend. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

She is survived by her husband, Buddy Farmer, to whom she was married on January 5, 1967, her children Robert (April) Farmer of Jasper, TX; Patsy Farmer of Buchanan; Crystal (Keith Davis) Ray of Buchanan; and Joel (Leighann) Farmer of Tallapoosa. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren—Sabrina (Joseph) Smith, Robert Farmer-Tims, Scott (Elena) Ray, Kasey (T.J.) Ray, Carson Ray, Holly Ray, Aubrie Wetherbee-Farmer, Ashley (Derrick) Garig, Elizabeth (Brad) Harmon, Robert Allen Farmer, Jason Smith, Jenna (Blake) Muse, and Sandra (James) McGonigal—and her great-grandchildren Kohen Smith, Eliza Ray, Sunni Ray, Kyzer Anderson, Aleyah Horton, and Charlie McGonigal.

Shirley’s siblings who survive her include her sisters Sandee Elliott, Elaine Wilson, Wanda (Ricky Cook) Edwards, Sue Wilson, Judy Hicks, and Carey Traylor, as well as her brothers Joel (Tanya) Wilson, James (Beth) Wilson, and Rex Wilson; brothers-in-law, Jack Farmer and Danny Myers; and numerous other family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, May 7th, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Shirley Farmer will be conducted on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM from Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel with Brother Richard Brannon and Brother Ronald Carroll officiating. Shirley will be laid to rest in the Farmer Family Cemetery at her home with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Joel Farmer, Corey Blackmon, Wayne Wingo, Allen Collins, T.J. Thomas and James Green with grandchildren and great-grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is honored to serve the Farmer family.