Shirley was born to the late Dora Washington and Fred Jenkins on February 4, 1942 in Frogmore, SC. She attended Beaufort Elementary.
Shirley left South Carolina around 1960, at a very young age and moved to New York where she lived with a cousin. It was in New York City where she met and married the love of her life James Middleton and together, they began to build their legacy.
Shirley began what became her career at Bell Atlantic which later became known as Verizon where she humbly retired. Since Shirley wasn’t ready to retire, she found happiness working at the Rite Aid pharmacy where she stayed for over fifteen years until she could no longer work. On September 17, 2020 Shirley Middleton departed this life at Englewood Hospital surrounded by her family.
Shirley was a devoted church member. She started her journey at Mount Paran Baptist Church. Later she joined Hickory Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she was a devoted pastor aide and choir member. She later went on to join Emmanuel Church for all People under the leadership of Bishop Mary Freeman-Coaxum. She was known in the church as “Mother Middleton” and she was the best fund-raiser that you would want. She enjoyed specifically her “shoe rally”. Shirley was the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a best friend to many.
Shirley leaves to celebrate her memories, her devoted husband, James Middleton, daughters Francine Henderson of Bronx, NY, Shirley Young (James) of NC, Charisma Middleton (Fred) of NY and Almethia Middleton of NJ. Two sons Derrick Middleton (LaTrina) of DE and Lloyd Middleton of NY. Three sisters, Francena Edwards (Clifford), Frances Jones (James) and Rose Singletary (Norris) all of SC. Five brothers, Leroy Washington, William Washington Jr. (Shirley) both of SC, David Jenkins (Donna), Nathaniel Holmes (Vicky) of PA, 2 sisters in laws Dianne of PA and Louise Jenkins of Alabama. Fourteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren.
Pre-deceased is her son-in-law Herbert Henderson, sister Wilhelmina Williams, Brother Lloyd Jenkins, and Phillip Jenkins (Louise).
Mom’s favorite motto was “Work with your hands not your mouth”
To our Uncle James and our cousins , our hearts are heavy for you. But know that you are in our thoughts and we are praying for your comfort and your strength. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. The loss of someone really dear to us is never easy. But know her spirit will always be with you. Love always, Debra & Jerome Roberson , George Truell, Vincent & Rose Truell, Terrance & Jill Truell.
To: The Family of Our Shirley
Just learned today on 9/26/20 that Shirley passed away. We are customers at the Rite Aid where Shirley worked for so many years. This is where my sister and I met her. What a wonderful person! Such a sweet lady. We are sorry for your loss! God bless you all. God bless our Shirley.
Sincerely, Joyce & Janice Glenn/Bronx, NY
James and family,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories sustain and keep in the days ahead. Love you guys❤️❤️
Praying for the Family.
Your mom was the sweetest. God will help you and your love and memories will make you smile.
Love always
Your Family
Lilliemae Middleton and Cynthia “Cookie” Middleton Brown
Sending our deepest Condolences to you all during your time of bereavement. We are praying for Peace and strength for you all. May God Bless her Soul. We are there with you in spirit and Love. Love You All.
Marilyn Williams, Savannah GA
Gabrielle Taylor, Fayetteville, GA
Sleep on Shirley take your rest may God grant the strength to carry on in the Grace and Love that you have shown to many my condolences to the Middleton Family
Prayers to our family on the passing of our sister, Shirley. She will always be in our hearts and she will be dearly missed. Prayers to our family for love, strength and comfort as we go through this bereavement. The love and comfort that only Jesus can give.
Rose Marie Singletary
Frances Jones
William Washington, Jr.
& Family
God bless my x mother in law soul…an bless the family