In Memory
Shirley Ann Gray
December 2, 1954 ~ January 9, 2025
Ms. Shirley Ann Gray, 70, was born to Frances (Gray) Hamilton and T.C. McGee on December 2, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana. Shirley was blessed with the love and guidance of two fathers as she was raised by her stepfather Richard Hamilton, alongside her biological father. Her life displayed the power of love and family. After a courageous battle with an extended illness, Shirley was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the comfort of her own home with her family by her side.
Shirley was educated in the South Bend school system with her final years being at LaSalle High School. She often talked about her days at the Urban League and Goodwill Industries to which she enjoyed her years of service with both organizations.
Shirley lived life to the fullest. She loved fashion, makeup, dancing, and animals, especially her cat Sparkle. She was called Dr. Doolittle because no matter the animal, whether it was hers or not, it liked her. Shirley’s heart was pure, and she loved her family unconditionally. She would always greet you with, “Hey baby” and changed everyone’s name to “Boo Boo” no matter who you were. But most importantly, she never missed saying “I love you” and when you heard it; you knew that she meant it. She was the caretaker of the entire Gray family. No matter who needed her or how far away they were, she would be there without hesitation. Shirley had a light about her that made people gravitate towards her. No matter where she went, she never met a stranger. She embodied the word love, and she gave it freely and often. We will miss her laughter and the birthday cakes that she was determined to make for each of us every year. Even though they never came out right, we still ate some anyway because she was our baby as well.
The bond between mother and daughter is an eternal one. Shirley leaves behind her beloved only daughter, Charrise Gray. Throughout Shirley’s life, Charrise dedicated herself to caring for her mother; ensuring that every moment shared was cherished and meaningful. Everyone that knew them could see the deep, unbreakable connection they had. Their closeness was a testament to the power of family and the beauty of a mother's love.
The legacy of Shirley lives on through the love and lives of her cherished grandchildren: Marcus Henderson Jr., Devante Hollins, and Roderick Parchman Jr. all of South Bend and Deja (Nii Tete) Boye, whose presence reaches across oceans to Tokyo, Japan. They affectionately called her “Grandma Shirley” which was passed down to their children as well. These grandchildren carry with them the wisdom, strength, and love imparted by their grandmother, and they will continue to honor her memory. The love and light of Shirley were her many cherished great-grandchildren: Jaden Hollins, Zechariah Henderson, Noah Henderson, Hannah Henderson, Israel Henderson all of South Bend and Naa Yarley and Nii Tete Boye Jr. of Tokyo. Shirley was very proud of them; they kept her active.
Her loving sister Gloria Gray of South Bend will deeply miss her presence and cherish the many memories they shared throughout their lives. Shirley loved her little sister serving as her protector and comforter throughout the years. Their love for one another will be remembered by those who knew them. Nephews Cornelius Johnson and James Gray will continue to treasure the memories of their aunt. She loved them like they were her own. She made sure to kiss and hug them every time she saw them. The family bonds extend further, with her Godson Dylane Vinson of Flint, Michigan, and her special cousin/brother (as she called him) Terry Gray also of Flint, joining in celebrating a life well-lived.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Frances (Gray) Hamilton, T.C. McGee, and Stepfather Richard Hamilton.
She truly touched the lives of so many with her warmth, kindness and positivity. She will never be forgotten.
01/15/2025 djb
|