Shirley Kimbrel

Shirley Clenney Kimbrel

September 9, 1939 - November 5, 2026

Shirley Clenney Kimbrel, 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, onThursday, November 5, at Memorial Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Mrs. Kimbrel was the fifth of eight children born in Camilla to Reverend Bruce W. and Eva Darley Clenney. At the age of three, she discovered her God-given talent and life-long passion: music. Natural ability, along with formal lessons, made Mrs. Kimbrel an accomplished pianist and vocalist. She spent many hours playing for her church, teaching piano, and coaching vocalists for competitions. Her dad visited churches to preach, and Shirley would travel with him to play piano. Mrs. Kimbrel served as pianist, vocalist, or both, at countless funerals, weddings, and church services. She loved every opportunity to share her gift.

Many people remember “Miss Shirley” as their preschool teacher. For about fifteen years, she owned a preschool at her home where her students prepared for kindergarten. She taught her students about Jesus and how much He loved them. Pouring into the lives of children was something else she was passionate about.

When she was not on the piano bench, Mrs. Kimbrel could be found watering her flowers, spending time with family, and cooking.

Mrs. Kimbrel was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward Kimbrel, son Bruce Kimbrel, daughter-in-law Crystal O’Neal Kimbrel, sisters Doris Grant, Gwendolyn Brooks, Nadine Barron, brother Rudy Clenney, niece Brenda Wade, and nephew John Grant.

She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Ann (Tommy) Walton; grandchildren Kayla (John Daniel) Newland, Wil Walton, and Elizabeth Kimbrel; great-grandchildren Malachi, Mackenzie, and Madaline Newland; sister Elise Williams, and brothers Randy (Dianne) Clenney and Lavon (Sammie) Clenney. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Bellview Free Will Baptist Church in Colquitt. Visitation will be held at 1:00 at the church. Ministers will be Rev. Fred McCracken, Rev. Steve Long, and Rev. David Young. Pall bearers will be Donald Brooks, Richard Barrow, Rusty Clenney, Kevin Clenney, Chad Clenney, Ben Clenney, JD Newland, and Wil Walton. Burial will be at Donley Family Cemetery.