After a nine month fight for her life, Bobbi Jean Shanks departed this life on Good Friday, March 25, 2016. During her long battle she maintained her faith in God and her remarkable strength and will to live despite countless trials.
Born on December 4, 1943 to Mary Elizabeth Johnson Tripp (deceased) & Walter Goldsmith (deceased), Bobbi was known for her big heart and her fierce love of her family, especially her children. Born in Greenville, Alabama Bobbi was intensely involved in the Civil Rights Movement and to her surprise was referenced in a book many years later.
Bobbi was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. She started her academic career at Tuskegee University following her graduation from Calhoun High School. She soon had to leave Tuskegee to raise three of her siblings, but true to her character she persevered and ultimately obtained her Bachelors Degree at Mercy College at age 62.
Before her illness, Bobbi was an avid reader, bowler, yoga practitioner, Scrabble player, traveler, & yes, even Facebooker. She was a health nut and was continuously learning and challenging herself to improve her health.
Bobbi leaves a large family behind including her spouse, Willie Nelson Shanks, three children, Bertram LeRoi Shanks (Joyce), Bradford Lee Shanks & Sharon Christina Shanks, two stepdaughters, Tina Marie Bryant and Trina Kay Atterberry (Antoine), stepmother, Marjorie (Marge) Goldsmith, siblings {Benjamin Goldsmith, Melvin Goldsmith, Walter Goldsmith Jr., Christopher Goldsmith, Mary Anne Goldsmith, Lula Nell Goldsmith, Earl Goldsmith (deceased), Dennis Goldsmith, Frederick Goldsmith, Cassandra Goldsmith Cosen, Cornelious Goldsmith, Carol Ann Tripp Bagley, Tracy Goldsmith Pugh, Stephanie (Ann) Goldsmith Levine, Andre Goldsmith, and Daphnne Goldsmith}, and many grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members & friends.
The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Shanks family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Shanks family during their time of bereavement.
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