Shirley Griggs Dismukes

OPELIKA…Shirley Griggs Dismukes, 89, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, after a short illness.

She was born on February 9, 1937, to James C. Griggs and Lily Kilgore Griggs in Dothan, Alabama. Shirley was the youngest of 5 children. Her siblings included Evelyn Wicker, William Griggs, Hugo Griggs, and Sara Elliott.

Shirley met and married the love of her life, Robert Lee Dismukes, at age 17. Robert was the Pastor of Hurtsboro Baptist Church until they moved to the Beauregard area in 1968, when he became the Pastor at Providence Baptist Church, where he served until his death in 1983.

They lovingly raised two children, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David Kidron Dismukes and Susan Ashley Dismukes Schlenker.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Dismukes; sister, Evelyn Wicker; brothers, William and Hugo Griggs; and grandson, David Lee Schlenker.

Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, 1st Sgt (USA, retired) Dr. David K. Dismukes (Barbara), Susan Schlenker, and Fawzy Shorrosh, who was like a son to her; her sister, Sara Elliott; and her grandchildren, Blake Kidron Dismukes (Genie) Columbia, SC., MSG (USA, retired) Gilberto A. Roman, San Antonio, TX, Miriam J. Roman, Opelika, AL, Scott Schlenker (April) Muncie, IN, Aaron Schlenker (Rose), La Habra Heights, CA, Kevin Schlenker, Houston, TX, Christopher Schlenker (Lindsay Holley), Madison, IN, and Grandchildren, Wyatt, Weston, Matthew, Kinsley and Claire Dismukes, Petty Officer Third Class Katherine Rogers (USN), and Kailey, Matthew, Albi, and Wolf Atzi Schlenker. Shirley has many much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other family members who are left behind to cherish her memory.

Shirley was a member of the Providence Baptist Church Encouragers Sunday School Class, where she had many lifelong friends. Shirley was a kindergarten teacher at Providence Baptist Church for many years and served as the Daycare Director from 1983 to 1986. She then served as the Hostess at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home until her retirement after more than 30 years until her retirement.

Shirley never met a stranger and always introduced herself to new friends. She loved learning about new people and their lives, and she never forgot anything, which wasn't always a good thing! Shirley had a wicked sense of humor but was a very private person about most things.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, East Campus in Opelika. Burial will follow at the Dothan City Cemetery in Dothan, Alabama, at approximately 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church on behalf of the family.