Ernestine L. Dees, 88, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., formerly of Piggott, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, at her residence.

She was born Nov. 2, 1919, in Kennett, to the late John Edwards and Nora Jane "Brannon" Shepard.

She was united in marriage to the late James Shirley in 1942. The couple had two children. She was married to Herbert Dees in 1952 and had a very happy marriage until his death in 1982.

Preceding her in death were her husbands, James Shirley and Herbert Dees; her parents, John and Nora Shepard; two brothers, Doyle and Bill Shepard, two sisters, Marie Milburn and Betty Ellen Carver; a grandson, Shane Shirley, and a granddaughter, Micaela Briseno.

She is survived by a son, Jimmy Shirley and his wife Sue of Arnold, Mo., a daughter, Judy Kay Briseno and her husband Art of Murfreesboro; a sister, Della Wilburn of Turlock, Calif., a brother, Melvin Shepard and his wife Enola of Piggott; five grandchildren, Matthew Briseno, Jason Shirley, Cindy Graves, Wendy Franklin and Shannon Pulliam; 13 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was baptized as one of Jehovah's witnesses on Dec 19, 1961. She loved her family and friends. If she was visiting at your door to discuss the Bible, or if you came to her home she always made you feel welcome.

Memorial Services were held Sunday, Nov. 11, in the Irby Funeral Home chapel, Piggott, with Steve Oliver officiating.

Irby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Persons wishing to may sign the guest register at www.irbyfuneralhome.com.