Shirley O Ard

Ard - Shirley O. Ard, age 90, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed May 18, 2026, peacefully into the presence of her Lord, surrounded by the love of her family. Shirley was born on November 14, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She shared 62 loving years of marriage with her husband, Isaac Boyd Ard. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, creating beautiful floral arrangements, working crossword puzzles and enjoying her weekly shopping trips to Belk. She will be remembered for her loving heart, strong faith, and the warmth she brought to every family gathering. Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Stokes; her father, Harry Stokes Sr.; her brother, Larry Stokes; her daughter-in-law, Gayle Giles; her brother-in-law, Jim Rackley, and her late husband, J.L. Giles.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Isaac Boyd Ard; her children, Rhonda Giles Griffin (Howard), Jimmy Giles (Joan), Gary Ard (Sherri); seven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Harry Stokes (Dana); her sister, Lynnette Rackley; and many beloved nephews and nieces.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.’” — John 11:25–26 (ESV)

The tribute above was prepared by Shirley’s loving family.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bay Baptist Church, 11553 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida with Pastor Tyler Ard officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care https://thefoundationcares.org/ in Shirley’s memory. Shirley will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110

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