Shirley Louise Black, 88
October 10, 1935 – September 23, 2024
Shirley Louise Black, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was called home to be with the Lord on September 23, 2024 at the age of 88 in Baptist Hospital Collierville, TN. She lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience.
Shirley accepted Christ as a young adult as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at New Bethel A.M.E Church in Augusta Ga. Alongside her Auntie Carrie Lou she played the piano during worship service, complimenting Carrie Lou on the organ. She was raised with strong family values and a deep love for humanity.
Shirley was known for her generous spirit, her warmth, and her quiet wisdom. She had a gift for making those around her feel loved and valued. Her home was always open, and she found immense happiness in sharing stories, meals, and laughter with family and friends. Her three children were her pride and joy, and she doted on her grandchildren, who adored their “Gaga/Gammie.”
Shirley’s legacy is one of strength and the quiet courage of a woman who lived life on her own terms. She was an active member of the community volunteering at the local library and the Rancho Bernardo American Cancer Society Discovery Shop (RB-ACSDS). She was the founder of the Rancho Bernardo High School Friends of the Library (RBHS-FOL), dedicating many years of service through fund raising and advocacy ensuring every RBHS Student was provided with a strong learning foundation that begins with a quality school library. Her many credits for her outstanding service included receiving the highest award when she was selected as ‘Rancho Bernardo Hats Off Volunteer of the Year 2015’ and inducted into the ‘Ranch Bernardo Hall of Fame 2020’. Her unwavering love for her family, especially her grandchildren and community will be remembered by all who knew her.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
Celebration of Life Details:
For our east coast family & friends:
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at New Mt. Gilliam M.B. Church, 774 Stonewall Road, Byhalia, MS 38611
Pastor Raymond Secession & Lady Brenda Secession
For our west coast family & friends:
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Mesa View Baptist Church, 13230 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064
Pastor Darrow Perkins Jr. & Lady Teresa Perkins
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s honor to Rancho Bernardo High School Friends of the Library Scholarship Fund, using the following GOFUNDME link: https://gofund.me/59fba10f
Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS at the following link: https://www.serenityfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Shirley-Black#tributewall
