Freida Matthews Shurling

Freida Matthews Shurling, age 84, of Greensboro, GA., died Sunday September 30, 2012 in Macon, GA. Freida was born in Gilbert, South Carolina on September 28, 1928, one of ten children of the late Calvin and Lottie Aull Matthews. Freida was the oldest of the four daughters, and worked on the family farm until graduating form high school. After graduating from Wagener High School in Wagener South Carolina, Freida worked at a local bank before deciding to enter college. Freida took a train to Rome, Georgia where she enrolled in Berry College. Working her way through school, she graduated with a major in Home Economics and a minor in Science. Freida started her career as a Home Economist with the Cooperative Extension Service in Greene County. While working with the Extension Service, Freida met and later married Marion Henry Shurling. They married on July 22, 1956 and their marriage welcomed two children, Angie in 1961 and Henry in 1964. After marriage she began teaching Home Economics at Greene County High School. In 1969 Freida became an original faculty member of Nathanael Greene Academy. She taught Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Science. She enjoyed mentoring and working with her students. She retired from teaching in 1986. Freida was a member of First United Methodist Church of Greensboro where she was active for many years. Freida was a prior member of the Greensboro Garden club and enjoyed her bridge club. Gardening and preserving vegetables from her annual garden were one of her favorite pastimes. Freida was also well known for her sewing and cooking. A sports enthusiast, she enjoyed following the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She delighted in attending many Bulldog games with her family over the years.

Freida was predeceased by her husband Marion Henry Shurling, who died in February 1977. She is survived by a daughter, Angela Shurling Bushway and husband Gregory of Macon, GA; a son Henry Shurling and wife Sandra of Monroe, GA; two sisters, Ophelia Ergle of Columbia, SC and Teresa Saylors of Edgefield, SC. "Grandma Freida" is survived by four grandchildren, Mary Caroline Bushway, Piper Bushway, Lawson Shurling and Ava Shurling. She leaves a host of other friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by seven of her siblings, Travis Matthews, Bennie Matthews, Robert Matthews, Jake Matthews, Kendall Matthews, Laverne Matthews and Cleonis Matthews Gunter.

Private interment will be held on Thursday October 4, 2012 at Greenview Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, North Campus, 202 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA 30642 with Rev. Joe Watson and Mr. Gregory Bushway officiating. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center. The family will receive friends Wednesday night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McCommons Funeral Home. The family requests that any memorials be made to Nathanael Greene Academy, P. O. 109, Siloam GA 30665 or the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 216 Greensboro, GA 30642. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St. Greensboro, GA, 30642 (706)453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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