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Shirley Joan Griffin Wiggins, age 86, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away in her home on Oct. 3, 2022 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Shirley was born in Rose Hill, Alabama to her parents, Cleveland and Lera Griffin. Shirley was the youngest of their 11 children. She grew up on the family farm until her marriage. Always an active student, she was named head cheerleader and valedictorian of her high school class. Being the excellent student that she was, she earned a full academic scholarship to Montevallo College.

Shirley and Joel married in 1954 and relocated to Pensacola, Florida where they lived until 1969. They then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina with their three children. She enjoyed a 40-plus years career in residential real estate with her career beginning at Townsend Realty. Later, she joined Allen Tate Realty where she remained until her retirement. She was a very respected and successful agent. Her hard work and dedication led her to become their number one realtor in sales for many years. She was a good bridge player and enjoyed playing in several groups over the years with friends. Never one to sit around, she loved to play solitaire, solve crossword puzzles and watch game shows which always kept her mind active. Fall was always her favorite season as she loved watching SEC football. She was an avid fan of Alabama football and basketball. When baseball season started, she rarely missed an Atlanta Braves game. However, her role as mother, grandmother and great grandmother was her favorite. Holidays were particularly a highlight for her. Her excellent cooking and baking skills always kept her busy preparing the family favorites. She loved her home and always made all feel welcome. Being from a very large family, she loved attending the annual Griffin family reunions. She was always excited to catch up with her siblings, nieces and nephews. After retirement and Joel’s death, she returned home to Alabama in 2016 where she built a lovely home at the age of 80. Determined to make new friends, she started a girls’ night out group in her new neighborhood of Cottages at Danberry. The family thanks them all for their love and support throughout her time there. She couldn’t have asked for a better place to retire.

The family would also like to thank the invaluable Dr. Benjamin Jones and his staff at Alabama Oncology. Dr. Jones has truly met his calling in life to become a fine and dedicated physician. The family would like to recognize Pro Health/Hospice and WrightCare personal care for their outstanding and loving care.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cindy Caudle (Cameron) of Charlotte; sons, Jeff Wiggins (Jill) and Mark Wiggins, both of Birmingham; four grandchildren, Hunter Caudle (Suzanne) of Greenville, South Carolina, Whitney Kelly (BJ) of Charlotte, and Griffin Wiggins and Lauren Wiggins of Birmingham; and three great grandsons, Gray and Hayes Caudle, and Wills Kelly. In addition, she leaves behind her last remaining sibling, Elsie Gulsby and countless nieces and nephews.

The family will host a gathering at the Clubhouse at the Cottages of Danberry on Oct. 30 in Birmingham from 2 to 4 p.m. There will also be a gathering in Charlotte on Nov. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Caudle residence at 7016 Whitemarsh Ct.