Mary Jo Shirley, 77, of Columbia, died Monday, May 22, 2023. Born September 14, 1945, in Washington, D.C., she was a daughter of the late Edward Duncan and Vada Lee Stephenson Tarrants.

Mrs. Shirley was the proud wife of a US Air Force retiree and had the unique opportunity to travel and live throughout Europe during his enlistment. She retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina following a career that spanned more than 25 years. Mrs. Shirley loved to travel, collect lighthouses, and learn about history. She was a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church and was involved in the Happy Hearts Ministry at First Baptist Church in Columbia. For many years, Mrs. Shirley was the dedicated caregiver for her son, Brent Edward Shirley, following an accident where he suffered a traumatic head injury. Her greatest joy in life was being a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her precious family.

Survivors include her daughter, Robbin Surfus (Rick) of Greer, SC; grandsons, Erik Surfus (Maria), Nicholas Surfus, Alexander Surfus, and Brendan Surfus; as well as her great granddaughters, Lilyana and Layla Surfus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Brent Shirley; son, Brent Edward Shirley, and her brothers, Allen Tarrants and Charles Tarrants.

The funeral service for Mrs. Shirley will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, June 3rd at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 1 o'clock.