Shirley J. Bulger

Shirley J. Bulger, 86, of Newbern, Tennessee, died on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Okeena Health and Rehabilitation of Dyersburg in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born Tuesday, June 27, 1939,in Newbern, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Dunivant and the late Clara Hall Dunivant. 

Shirley grew up in Parks Bottoms, where she was raised in a large, close-knit family. Those early years shaped who she was, and she never forgot her roots or the fond memories of her childhood. Family meant everything to Shirley, and she carried those values with her throughout her life.

For many years, Shirley worked as a beautician, a profession she truly loved. Her beauty shop was more than just a place for hair appointments—it was a gathering place filled with laughter, conversation, and friendship. Through her work, she formed many lifelong friendships and was cherished by those who sat in her chair.

She was well known for her strong dislike of woolly worms—though everyone knew it was really fear that made her react so strongly. It became one of those endearing traits that brought smiles and laughter to her family and friends.

Graveside services for Mrs. Bulger will be held at 2:00 PM  on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee.  Officiating this service will be Chaplain Jim Ennis. Family and friends are asked to gather at the cemetery.

She is survived by two sons, Jeff Leggett (Lori) of Newbern, Tennessee and Mike Leggett (Amy) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; three step-children, Kathy, Kelly and Kevin; one brother, Harold Dunivant of Newbern, Tennessee and she was  to her three grandchildren, April Leggett, Conner Leggett and Garrett Leggett; two step-Grandchildren, Doug Tipton and Jessica Drury and three great-grandchildren and one step great grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Bulger; one son, Rick Leggett; stepson, Brendon and two brothers, Thomas Dunivant and Bobby Dunivant.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley J. Bulger.

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