Mrs. Shirley Ann Raper Luke, age 67, of Nicholls, GA passed away Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Luke was born August 22, 1948 to the late Edward Raper, Sr. and the late Haven Solomon Raper Spann.
Mrs. Luke retired from the Coffee County School System after 29 years of service as a teacher with Ambrose Elementary School. She also received the honor of being named “Teacher of the Year” at Ambrose Elementary School. She was also a retired Literacy Coach. She attended South Georgia College and Valdosta State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also received her Master’s Degree in Education from Walden University. Mrs. Luke enjoyed fishing, working in her yard and spending time around the pool with her family. She also enjoyed cooking for all the family. She was the perfect “Nana”.
She was a devoted member of West Ward Church of God, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was the Ladies Ministries President for a number of years. She served the Lord with all of her heart. Her faith never wavered in God thru the good times or the bad.
Survivors include: Her Husband, Lavawn Luke of Nicholls, GA; 2 Sons, Gregory (Peggy) Luke of Douglas, GA and Christopher (Angela) Luke of Nicholls, GA; 1 Sister, Irene (Gerald) Purvis of Tifton, GA; 3 Grandchildren, Aaron Teston of US Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California, Maggie Luke of Nicholls, GA and Shade Luke of Douglas, GA; Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends and Other Relatives.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at West Ward Church of God with Rev. W. A. Bingham, Rev. Leroy Spivey and Rev. Britt Peavy officiating. The interment will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery in Berrien County. Mrs. Luke will be placed in the church at 1:00 P.M. to lie in state until the funeral hour. In Lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to be made to the West Ward Church of God Ladies Ministries or the West Ward Church of God Mission Fund 700 Ward Street West Douglas, GA 31533. The family will be receiving friends Friday, July 22, 2016 at West Ward Church of God from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.