Shirley Ann Tankersley West, 80, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on July 28, 2026. Born September 21, 1945, in Alabama, Shirley will be remembered as a beloved and cherished presence—gentle in spirit, kind-hearted in word and deed, and steadfastly devoted to those she loved.
Shirley graduated from Hanceville High School and later attended Wallace State Community College, where she obtained her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She found true love in caring for others as an LPN, bringing compassion, patience, and thoughtful attention to the work she considered a calling.
Even after being admitted to the dementia unit in June 2025 at Summerford nursing home, she remained, in every meaningful sense, “clocked in.” With the same thoughtful attentiveness that defined her nursing, she continued to look after fellow residents—watching for their safety, alerting staff when someone might fall or be hurt, and offering comfort when someone simply wanted to go home. In time, she was crowned queen of the West Haven Hall dementia unit at Summerford, honored for the way she welcomed new residents and cared for them as if they were her own. Her resilience and selflessness were not spoken of as ideals, but lived out in quiet, consistent ways.
Above all, Shirley was a devoted mother and grandmother—“maw maw”—to her grandchildren, Chloe and Trey. Her daughter and grandchildren were her entire world. Chloe and Trey will carry forward tender memories of days at Sportsman Lake Park—playing on the playground, feeding the ducks, and riding the train. They will remember chocolate milk, bubbles that made big messes, and a maw maw who never grew upset over the joy of it all. They will remember her little Christmas tree with the gifts she chose for them, enjoying longstanding favorites she would make such as pigs in a blanket, getting to play the piano in her home, and the time she spent teaching them to play Rook—moments made precious by her steady, kind-hearted presence.
In quieter moments, Shirley enjoyed the comforts of home. She took pleasure in shopping for her home, often seeking out practical items and content to spend hours searching for the perfect curtains or bedding. She was an avid reader and enjoyed mystery and suspense novels while valuing a cozy night in, generally keeping to herself and finding peace in the familiar rhythms of home.
Shirley’s legacy is one of faithful love and unwavering gentleness. She was a wonderful mother—warmhearted, generous with her time and attention, and consistently thoughtful. Those closest to her knew a steady spirit: no bad moods, no yelling or anger—only a sincere desire to see others at ease and happy.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, John Albert Tankersley; her mother, Carrie Mae Tankersley; and her brothers, John Henry Tankersley, Robert Tankersley, and Ray Tankersley.
Shirley is survived by her loving daughter, Amanda Romine (Alfonzo); her grandchildren, Chloe Romine and Alfonzo Romine III; along with a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
