-Heavy shade.

-Georgia hardiness zone 8a.

-Needs to be attractive.

-Needs some serious thorns to keep out the zombies.

-I do not like holly, blackberry, or firethorn.

-Bouganvillia would be perfect but won't grow in 8a.

-Creeping catsclaw is crazy invasive.

-A native Georgia plant would be a bonus.

-I would rather something that will attach to the fence and grow up it rather than a bush.

I think Smilax can be beautiful and it grows in shade. When it is fertilized it grows thick and glossy. Some varieties have iridescent patterned leaves. I can't speak for zombies but I know the thorns would keep me out. Perhaps, just for some color, you could intersperse it with something bright that blooms but may not have thorns.

Passionflower attaches well on fences, not thorny though. Lovely blooms and bears fruits.
I have Passiflora edulis 'Frederick' if I allow it, it would want to latch on to our community fence, but I try to control it by our small trellis. It ably handled our mild winters and takes the heat very well too.