Shirley Whitehead, 1936-2024

Shirley Whitehead of Lakeland passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Lakeland Hospice House.

She was born October 21, 1936 in Owenton, Kentucky to the late Floyd and Mary Furnish. Shirley and her husband were joint owners of Dairy Queen in Lake Wales for 50 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales and Golfview Baptist Church. Shirley had a love for music. She played both the piano and organ for many churches, funeral homes, and weddings. Shirley also played for the Lake Wales Little Theatre and accompanied students. She enjoyed cooking and loved her family dearly.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mary Furnish; and brothers, Olan Furnish and Elmore Furnish. She is survived by her husband, Guy F. Whitehead; daughter, Pamela Smith (Michael Smith, Jr.) of Lakeland; son, Kurt Whitehead of Tampa; and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Smith of Gray, Tennessee.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Dr. Scott Markely officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to https://www.givesendgo.com/Helpforveteranswife. Interment will be in Wheatley Cemetery in Wheatley, Kentucky.