Netherthird Community Council and the wider community is paying tribute to friend and community council member, Jean Shirkie who has sadly passed away.

Jean was well known in the community and was one of the longest serving members of not just the community council but other local organisations, too.

Described as “always willing to help others and a font of local knowledge”, Jean, born in 1946, moved to Netherthird aged five from Ochiltree and stayed there all her life.

She had the privilege of opening the Netherthird birthday celebrations as one of the longest residents.

She leaves behind John, Mungo, Eddie, Isobel, Betty, a son and three grandchildren, Lachlan, Johnathan and Lilly as well as four step grandchildren Ashley, Alex, Amy and Holly.

Sharing their memories of her on Facebook, Jean’s family wrote: “She loved Netherthird and knew everyone as she loved to blether and was a member of various local organisations.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their kind messages on social media, various posts and the cards on behalf of the family.

“I’d also like to thank the Netherthird Community Centre, Majical Blooms for the flowers, Barry Whalen funeral director, Dalmellington Day Centre and Woodland View hospital for their care of my mother.

“I would like to apologise for anyone that can’t come to the funeral tea due to ridiculous restrictions put in place by the government.

“Thank you everyone in Netherthird as well, the place will not be the same again.

“GBNF mum loved by all till we meet again.”

Tommy Samson, Secretary of Netherthird Community Council, added: “On behalf of the Community Council, I’d like to add that Jean was a well known and respected member of our community, the longest serving member of the Community Council.

“She was also a board member of Netherthird Community Centre and a member of other community based groups.

“She meant a lot to the community and she’ll be missed by us all.”