Chearldean “Mama Shirley” Biggers was born on September 12, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late John Albert Taylor and Bessie Lee Taylor. On July 4, 2026, after a brief illness, Chearldean peacefully completed a life filled with love, faith, service, and devotion to her family and community.
Chearldean was educated in the Cleveland, Ohio Public School System and built a strong work legacy through her years as a line technician with several manufacturing companies in Shelbyville, including Fly, Eaton, and Calsonic. Known for her steady hands, dependable spirit, and commitment to excellence, she carried pride and purpose into everything she did.
Beyond her work, Chearldean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who created a warm and beautiful home for her family. She found joy in baking, sewing, gardening, and caring for those she loved. Her Red Velvet cakes became a cherished favorite throughout the community and beyond, a sweet reflection of the love she poured into every gift she shared.
More than 45 years ago, Chearldean became a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she faithfully lived out her beliefs through service and compassion. She was especially dedicated to the Jail Ministry, believing deeply in meeting people where they are and in the hope of redemption for all. Chearldean’s kindness was shown not only in words, but in action—whether by transporting others to service, doctors’ appointments, or the pharmacy, she made herself available to help whenever she was needed. Her life was a testimony of generosity, faith, and love in motion.
Chearldean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Robert Biggers, Sr.; her parents, John and Bessie Lee Taylor; her siblings, Rosie Wiley, Ira Taylor, and Darlene Taylor; her sisters-in-law, Katherine Biggers, Sammie Frazier, Dorothy Jean Brown, Annie Ruth Harrison, and Joanne Bryant; and her brother-in-law, John Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her beautiful life: her devoted son, Robert (Carolyn) Biggers, Jr.; her devoted daughters, Carman Biggers and Carla (John) Kennerly; devoted nephew, Kim (Brian) Taylor; her loving grandchildren, Ryan Biggers, Camille Biggers, Jared Bell, Erica
Kennerly, and JaVon Kennerly; a host of great-grandchildren; her brothers- in-law, Willie Biggers, Jr., Harold Bryant, Harold Biggers Sr., Larry (Naomi) Biggers, and Doyle (Cynthia) Biggers; her sisters-in-laws, Gail (Skip) Johnson and Vera Taylor; and a host of other relatives and friends who were blessed by her warmth, wisdom, and loving presence.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family of Chearldean “Mama Shirley” Biggers extends our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has shown us love during this time of loss. Your prayers, comforting words, thoughtful gestures, visits, calls, and acts of kindness have strengthened us and reminded us that we are not alone. Each expression of sympathy has been a blessing, and we are truly grateful for the support, compassion, and love you have shared with our family.
We offer special appreciation to the caring staff at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital for the kindness and care shown to our loved one. We are also sincerely grateful to the brothers and sisters of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall and to Bird Street Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee, for their continued prayers, encouragement, and support.
We are truly grateful to the staff at Feldhaus- Gowen-Smith Chapel for the comprehensive funeral services and the care shown to our family during our time of bereavement. May each of you know how deeply your love has touched our hearts.
Pallbearers
• Family and Friends
Flower Bearers
• Family and Friends
Interment
Ray Corner Cemetery
218 Buzzard Roost Rd.
Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Repass
Bird Street Church of Christ
428 Bird Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
