Shirley Powers "Nana" Bruce, 81, of Lavonia, Georgia, peacefully left this world and met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 26, 2025, while surrounded by family.

Shirley was born on February 13, 1944, in Lavonia, Georgia to her late parents, L.C. and Ruby Nell Clark Powers. She was a graduate of Lavonia High School and received professional training as a secretary and bookkeeper. In use of that training, Mrs. Bruce retired from professional roles at both the Oconee County South Carolina School System and Northeast Metals.

In her spare time, Shirley was a devoted pianist and chorist. She used her musical talents to serve the Lord, playing as the church pianist at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Beaverdam Baptist Church, and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church during the course of her life. Mrs. Bruce also devoted her time to singing in the Singing Saints Choir and serving as a member of the Eastern Star.

Shirley Powers Bruce was a beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, and is survived by her husband: Henry Gary Bruce; her sons: Michael Gary Bruce (Teresa) and Scot Powers Bruce (Kim); and her Grandchildren: Keri Bruce Sheets (Josh), Lauren Michal Bruce, and Kylie Bruce Sizemore (Willie). Her family fondly remembers time spent with Nana on family vacations to the beach and at Disney.

Most of all, Nana was a Christian saved by God's grace who has left a legacy by raising generations of believers. Even in her final days, Mrs. Bruce's gentle Christian demeanor bore witness to her caregivers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Strickland Funeral Home with Rev. John Marc Cooling officiating. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens - North, with Rev. David Souderes officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.