Funeral services were held Saturday for prominent Monroyan, Shirley James.
Services for Shirley Lewis James, 65, were held at the Antioch Baptist Church, Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Her official obituary read as follows:
“Shirley Lewis James was born November 21, 1953 to the late Willie Lewis and Della Ausberry Sledge.
“Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at Antioch Baptist Church of Monroe, La.
“Shirley was a faithful servant from youth when she began singing in the choir. As an adult, Shirley served as an Usher as well as on the Deaconess Board until she relocated to the state of Tennessee on May 15, 2000. There is where Shirley continued to carry out the principles and practices of God’s word at New Sardis Baptist Church – Memphis, TN.
“Shirley graduated from Neville High School of Monroe, La. in 1971. Shirley’s career choices were driven by her love of people and dedication to children. She attended Robinson Business College where she obtained an Associate of General Business as the head of her class.
“Shirley also learned the art of cosmetology through apprenticeship and contributed time at Swanson Correctional Center where she provided haircuts to inmates. Shirley was a staple beautician in the Booker-T community. She worked alongside her eldest brother at Handy’s Barber & Beauty Shop as a licensed Cosmetologist for over twenty years. She was also the dedicated executive secretary of OMCAP Head Start Monroe, La. campus from 1975-1999. Shirley was employed by Continental Traffic Service, Inc. – Memphis, Tennessee from 2000 to 2016.
Shirley was proceeded in death by her brothers: John McCoy, Jessie Handy, James Lewis; and sister, Patricia Lewis. Shirley leaves to cherish her precious memories, her beloved husband of over 42 years, Willie H. James; son and grandchildren, Tarik James of Monroe, Louisiana (Danielle Littlefield) & Ivy and Gesell James of Memphis, Tennessee. Also, to cherish her memories are niece (raised as a daughter) Tamela Burks (Robert) of Glen Heights, Texas; Godchildren: Brandon Hudson (Kyla) of McKinney, Texas and Althea Bush (Brian) of Monroe, Louisiana; Siblings: Gloria Jackson (Marcus), Beverly Morris (Ronald), Thedoria Mardis (Wayne), Willie Lee Sledge (Ronda) all of Monroe, Louisiana; Uncle: Verge Ausberry (Audrey) of New Iberia, Louisiana; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
