Shirley Ann Taft

Shirley Ann Taft, age 86, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, October 17, 2021. She was born in Clarksville, TN on September 29, 1935 to the late James Bedford and Mary E. Lois Mansell.  Shirley enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles and playing the piano. Her family was her pride and joy. Shirley was an active member of the First Baptist Church St. B and she loved her Sunday School Class. Shirley will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Shirley retired following 28 years of employment at Wal-Mart.

Left to cherish her memory is her sons, Richard Houghtaling (Lisa) of Sabinsville, PA, Edwin Houghtaling (Angelia) of Clarksville, TN and Harold Houghtaling of Clarksville, TN; daughters, Susan Webb (Jack) of Lewisburg, TN and Sheryl Edwards (Jerry) of Clarksville, TN; brother, James Mansell (Kay) of Clarksville, TN; sister, Geraldine Beatty-Reese of Lewisburg, TN; grandchildren, Carrie Bryant (Daren) of Wellsboro, PA, Cory Houghtaling (Heather) of Vanetten, NY, Kristina Arden (James) of Memphis, TN, James Houghtaling Jr of Clarksville, TN , Sarah Savage (Michael) of Houma, LA, Holly Smith (Will) of Clarksville, TN, Christopher French of Clarksville, TN, Adam Decker of Clarksville, TN and Andrew Decker of Clarksville, TN; great grandchildren, Camden Bryant, Wyatt Houghtaling, Pruitt Houghtaling, Jack Arden, Elena Arden, Lillian Smith, Vallerie Smith, Ransom Smith, Luka Hammock and Clara Loope. Shirley is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Dale H. Taft.

Funeral Arrangements for Ms. Shirley Taft will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Chapel of Gateway Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M. A visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Officiating will be Brother Jack Webb and Brother Kevin Roberson. Interment will follow immediately after at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Chris French, Will Smith, James Houghtaling, Cory Houghtaling, Adam Decker, Andrew Decker and Colin Beatty. Honorary Pallbearers will be Daren Bryant, Camden Bryant, James Mansell, Charles Tucker and Johnny Rosson.

Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home & Cremation Center. 335 Franklin Street Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: (931)919-2600. Online condolences may be made by visiting our website, gatewayfh.com.