Mrs. Shirley Boatfield, age 86, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Mrs. Boatfield was born on May 4, 1939, in Fannin County, Georgia, to the late William Patterson and the late Vada Watkins Patterson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry Boatfield; her sons, Michael Boatfield and Robert Boatfield; and her siblings, Jewel Dale, Edith Norton, Lynn Patterson, Johnny Patterson, James Patterson, and Lewis Patterson.

She is survived by her loving children, Sherry (Lewis) Smith and Jeff (Sherry) Boatfield, both of Dahlonega; sisters, Lois Worley and Evelyn Gilliland, both of Blue Ridge; grandchildren, Kim Sutton and Alisha Garrett; and great-grandchildren, Paigelyn Morris, Allen Morris, Lillian Eller, and Madalyn Garrett.

Mrs. Boatfield was a devout Christian and was of the Baptist faith. She dearly loved her family and dedicated her life to caring for others. During her career, she worked as a CNA, where caretaking was truly her calling. Even after retirement, she continued to serve her community by sitting with and caring for many residents of Dahlonega. She was also a devoted caregiver to her son, Robert, faithfully tending to him until his passing.

She enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the beach with her family. Shirley found joy in the simple things in life, and birds brought her great happiness. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker whose love and kindness touched all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Phillip Robinson and the Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 noon until the service hour.

To share a memory or condolences with the family visit Mrs. Shirley's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 U.S. 19 Business, Dahlonega, GA 30533