Shirley Anne Chesney

Shirley Ann Chesney, lovingly known as Mimi, passed away January 14, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee at the age of 83.

Shirley was known for her sharp wit and generous spirit, whether it was filling a room with laughter or offering a kernel of wisdom that stayed with you long after it was spoken. Her wisdom lives on through her children and grandchildren, woven into their words, choices, and ways of caring. She had a gift for lifting your spirits, especially in moments of illness, sorrow, or struggle. In every season of life, she was a gentle and deeply attentive caregiver, both in her professional work and in her personal devotion to those she loved.

Endlessly curious about the world and the stories of others, Shirley was an avid reader and lover of film. Stories were a lifelong companion, shaping her empathy and her understanding of people. This connection to storytelling became a shared inheritance, passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her openness to others’ lives informed the way she loved, offering unconditional acceptance and adoration to her friends and family. It was a rare and beautiful way of moving through the world that we could all learn from.

Shirley’s expansive heart extended beyond people to animals, forming enduring bonds with all her pets. Throughout her life, she found joy and comfort in their companionship and was known to defend and protect many animals, from cats to endangered sea turtles. To honor this, Shirley is the namesake of her granddaughter’s beloved cat who she treasured.

For Shirley, love was never abstract. It was an active practice, rooted in nurturing, presence, and the profound ability to truly see others as they are. Her legacy of compassion, playfulness, and steadfast care will continue through all who were fortunate enough to be loved by her.

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Chesney; her children, Tamma (Dewayne) Rader and Tres Monceret; and her granddaughters, Brianna Rader and Chloe Rader, who were the lights of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Jewell Sing, a cherished friend, Priscilla Holt, as well as her stepchildren, Shawna (Derek) Chesney Broadley and Brian (Casi) Chesney and their families Angela Parisi, Bryce Chesney, Reed Chesney, Maddi Tipton, and Ryan Chesney. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley England and Nannie Mae England.

Condolences can be made at www.mynattfh.com