Mary Jane Shirreffs, 70, of Statesboro, Georgia, passed away on September 5, 2026.

Jane was born in Elberton, Georgia, growing up later in DeKalb County and graduated from Gordon High School in Decatur, Ga., and then graduated junior college at Young Harris College. She finished her college degree, and her master's, at Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, Ga., and chose to make her home here ever since.

She taught elementary schools in Bulloch County for 48 years. She taught at multiple elementary schools and was Teacher of the Year in 1988 and again in 2001.

Jane loved teaching, and birds and other animals. She especially loved her cats – one at a time – and the small lake and wildlife behind her house. She also loved the beach, and watching professional tennis, which she followed passionately, and was a lifelong avid reader.

Jane is survived by her brother, Steve Shirreffs, and his wife, Robin Shirreffs; and her niece, Hannah Shirreffs; her fiancé, Patrick Larkin; her nephew, Joshua Shirreffs, and his wife, Mariam Shirreffs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lousie Shirreffs; and her brother, Jeff Shirreffs.

Jane will be remembered through the family and friends she leaves behind, and the many students that she taught over the years.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 19th, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.

There will be a brief graveside service at Elmhurst Cemetery in Elberton, Georgia, on Monday, September 21st, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to Fixing the Boro of Bulloch County pet adoption and spay and neuter clinic: https://fixingtheboro.com/ways-to-help/#donate; or the Statesboro Regional Public Libraries: https://strl.info/statesboro-bulloch_county_library/donations.php.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, September 10, 2026

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