Alice Freer Shay

Alice B. Shay (Alice Smith), 92, of Lakeland, went to be with the Lord on June 6, 2017. She was born in Griffin, Florida on May 9, 1925 to the late James and Lilly Smith. Alice attended Griffin Elementary, a Strawberry School. This meant the school year was from March to December, allowing the children to help on their family’s farm through harvesting. During the great depression, Alice’s family lived on a farm, and she had 5 brothers and 3 sisters to help with the chores. Her family would share their farm’s harvest with Griffin Elementary to make sure no child went hungry. After graduating from Lakeland High School, she worked at Lodwick Airport Diner as a waitress where she met her first husband; now known as Tiger Town. Alice also worked at Ruby Dress Shop, and retired from Owenby Auto Parts. Alice lived in Lakeland almost her whole life and was a devoted Lutheran, wife, and mother. She is survived by her children, Gail Berry, Julie McGee (John), John Freer (Belinda), Tammy Shay Bader (Joe), Katheryn Shay Cosentino, Midge Shay Taylor (Jim), and Jackie Shay Owen; fourteen grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, her sister Marietta Flynn who is 102 years old. Alice is preceded in death by her first husband, Julius Freer, second husband, Jack Shay, and grandson, Herb Bargeon. A memorial service for Alice will be held at Griffin Cemetery at a later date. The Family asks that donations be made to Good Shephard Hospice in honor of Alice. Goodshepherdhospice.chartershealth.org/generaldonations or Good Shepherd Hospice Lakeland Donations 12470 Telecom Drive Suite 300 West Temple Terrace, FL 33637