Shirley Cheek Marks

Shirley Cheek Marks Forsyth . . . Shirley Cheek Marks, formerly of Atlanta, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2014. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, 3700 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30390. Reverend Franklin Etheridge will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service at the graveside. Shirley, known for her gracious southern charm, twinkling eyes, strong independence, generous heart, adventurous spirit and quick wit will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. Shirley lived life to the fullest, found joy in all she did, and attracted friends wherever she went. She rode camels around the Great Pyramids of Egypt, danced through Italy and Monaco, and literally skipped across the Great Wall of China. Shirley did not stand on convention. Never daunted by 1950s traditional expectations for women, she first worked for WSB TV before convincing two girlfriends to drive cross-country to take jobs in Hollywood. She became personal assistant to the great producer Ralph Edwards, best known for creating and starring in the NBC television show This is Your Life and producing the long-running Truth or Consequences. After two stints in Hollywood and a time in Chicago, the call of Magnolias, warm southern breezes and family brought her permanently back to Georgia. She met James Harold "Pete" Marks, her husband and the great love of her life, while working as a society reporter. Together they traveled the world. Shirley's love of animals was widely known. She treasured each of her dogs throughout her life. She was a great supporter of many animal rescue agencies, including Save-A-Pet located in Monroe County. She also took great pride in being an American and supported many veteran's groups. She is survived by her sister, Judy Cheek Crenshaw (Florida), cousins, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Bunyan Cheek and Harriet (Hattie) Ruth Tribble, her brother Norman Paul Cheek, and her husband, James Harold "Pete" Marks. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.