Shirley A. Mason, 83, of Jacksonville and formerly of Palatka, passed from this life on Sunday, May 14 2017 at Community Hospice – St. Vincent’s South in Jacksonville. A native of Inverness, she moved to Palatka in 1982, coming here from Savannah, Georgia where she had lived since moving there in 1976 from Jacksonville. Shirley worked for 30 years as a social worker with the State of Florida. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palatka. It is hard to describe Shirley as she was exceptional in every way. She had a huge heart for fun and laughter and was a kind soul. If Shirley loved you, then you were well loved and cared for. Everyone she met loved her spirit and zest for life. She comforted all of us. Her humor and laughter was contagious and she could also curse like a sailor and then giggle. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She was one of a kind and bigger than life itself. Shirley was an avid nature and animal lover with special interest in birds and cats. She was a collector of celebrity autographs and first issue books. Shirley was fiercely independent all the way to her last day. And now we all have an angel watching over us in Heaven. Remember her smile and laughter. No services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to First Coast No More Homeless Pets, 6817 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Shirley’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.