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”