Shirley D. Brown was born on September 6, 1944, to the late Charles Roosevelt and Dorothy Elizabeth Lockley Barber, in York County, Virginia. She was a graduate of the 1962 Class of James Weldon Johnson High School, one of the first high schools built for black children in York County as a result of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the US Supreme Court that ordered racial integration of public schools. She retired from the Newport News Department of Social Services as an Administrative Assistant.
Shirley was a strong and independent woman who was very outspoken and never had any problem expressing what was on her mind. She loved to take daily trips to her favorite store, Walmart. She also loved her scratch-off lottery tickets and play her favorite numbers which she won quite often. Shirley loved her family and family gatherings. Holidays were her favorite times of the year. She loved to party and was always ready to whip up a great meal for anyone who visited. Her couch was always available for anyone who needed a place to sleep. She was a humanitarian that gave even when she didn’t have much for herself.
On Wednesday morning, December 16, 2020, she joined her parents and siblings, Naomi Barber, Dorothea Freeman, and Roland Barber, in eternal rest.
Her memories will forever be cherished by her daughter, Angela Darden; sons, Brian Darden and Jerome Brisco; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Wray Barber; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, December 28, 2020, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance. Facial coverings and social distancing are required. Facebook Livestream will be available at the start of the service.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com
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