Shirley Diamond

Shirley G. Diamond, 92 years and 143 days or as Mom liked to say 80 odd years, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024.  She leaves behind lots of love, laughter, friendships, songs, and dance.

Born in Savannah, Ga to Minna and Al Galkin, she moved to Atlanta, Ga upon her marriage to Arthur Lee Diamond. She was very proud of being born and raised in Savannah and made sure everyone knew it. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She brightened up any room with her love of song, dance and a good time.

She became a nursery schoolteacher when Renee was old enough to attend school. She absolutely adored children and their never-ending sense of wonder and soaking up knowledge. One of her greatest joys was teaching children about their Jewish heritage. She loved the Jewish holidays, the rushing around preparing for synagogue and the family meals before and after.

When she married, she couldn’t boil an egg but that didn’t stop her from creating meals from nothing. She was known for her spaghetti, meat loaf, brisket and of course those Diamond Delights. Always up for something new, she tried her hand at being a tour guide and being an entrepreneur selling gold lame’ bibs. She and Arthur created a life and a home at Biltmore Drive where even snowstorms brought everyone to the house because Mom knew she needed a gas grill connected to the gas line. That grill provided many a meal when the electricity was out.

Her love for song and dance was always present. She and Arthur were quite the pair on the dance floor. When she could no longer move her feet, she directed with her hands and sang along off key with the rest of us.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Arthur Lee Diamond. She is survived by her children: Eric (Ellen) Diamond, Jody Diamond, Renee (John) Roos, grandchildren Adam Roos and Megan Roos, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made to the Ahavath Achim Minyan Fund (part of the general endowment fund), Weinstein Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.