Mrs. Shirley L. Ledford, age 73 of Ellijay, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 15th, 2025.

Shirley was born July 25, 1952 in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Laymon James Pendley and Edna Buchanan Pendley. She became whole once again, joining her dear husband and love of her life, Kenneth Ledford in Heaven. Shirley obtained her diploma in nursing from Pickens Vocational School and became a dedicated LPN.  She enjoyed her career of over 40 years doing what she did best, loving, caring for and helping others. Shirley was saved by the Grace of God many years ago and was recently baptized at home surrounded by precious family and friends. She has deeply touched so many and we were all blessed to have her in our lives. She will be remembered fondly as a sweet and loving soul and greatly missed by her family and friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ledford is preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Ledford; brother, Billy Pendley; and sister, Luteen Hitt.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Letisha and Greg Crowe of Ball Ground, GA; grandson, Dalton Crowe of Palm Harbor, FL; brother, Grady Pendley of Jasper, GA; her special ride or die, Averi Pierce of Ellijay, GA; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved Yorkie companion, Lieutenant Dan.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, at 11:00 am from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the Yukon Cemetery. Sheila, Emma, Angie, Brittany, Caroline, and Kasey will perform music. Pallbearers will be Dalton Crowe, David Pendley, Harold Pendley, Randy Westbrook, Jeff Aaron, and Kirk Pierce. Honorary Pallbearers will be Waldo Pierce, Greg Ledford, and Robby Aaron.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 16th, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Wednesday, December 17th, from 9:00 am until the service hour of 11:00 am at the funeral home.

The family will accept flowers, or donations can be made to Chattahoochee Tech Foundation (Nursing Program) at http://www.chattahoochee tech.edu/foundation or by mail, 980 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30060 in memory of Mrs. Ledford/Nursing Program or donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org in memory of Mrs. Ledford.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.