There are tens of thousands of staunch Crimson Tide fans. How many of them have a story as compelling as Shirley Shepard Chalkley’s about how dedicated they are to the Tide? Not many.
Shirley Chalkley died on July 20. Even at age 90, what had never died was her love for the Crimson Tide.
When she landed her first job after finishing college, she was doing well with it at the four-month point. Then she hit a wall. She had tickets to the Alabama-Auburn football game. She was going. Period. Her new employer would not let her off, even after she provided an articulate explanation of the situation. Being a loyal Alabama fan, she quit. She went to the game.
Shirley did get something out of her four months on that job – her husband. She met Lester Chalkley on that first, short job. They married and stayed in love to his death.
She was a resident of Tuscaloosa, where she had moved in 1990 so she could go to Bama football, basketball and other games. Mostly basketball. She held season tickets for Bama basketball since the 1970s. Even into her eighties, she drove herself to many away games. She managed to fly on the team plane a few times. Don’t you know that was a hoot?
She became the unofficial Grandma of the Crimson Tide basketball team. Since word has leaked out about her death, Shirley’s family began receiving heartfelt messages from basketball coaches, past and present.
“Aunt Shirley” grew up in Leroy and graduated from Leroy High School, which has contributed athletes to the Crimson Tide over the decades.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, followed by a Memorial Service at 3 p.m. with former Tide receiver Rev. Keith Pugh officiating. A sanctuary full of athletic staff and players is expected.
Somebody will say “Roll Tide” during the funeral.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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