Obituary of Shirley Mae Simon

Shirley Mae Simon was born July 18, 1936 in Donaldsonville, LA by the late Edward Joseph Sr and Martha Cunnican Joseph. Shirley was baptized in 1946 at Mt zion Baptist Church in Donaldsonville by the late Reverend M.H. Butler. She accepted Christ at an early age and her faith carried her through all of her life. Shirley graduated from Lowery High School in 1955. She was an excellent student and went on to pursue higher learning in Washington State where she studied business concepts. Shirly eventually settled in Oakland, CA. where she gave birth to her daughter Pamela Boyd on July 3 1962.

Shirley began a long and successful career in healthcare administration working for both Blue Cross of Oakland and Electronic Data Systems. Over the course of her career, Shirley received many awards and recognitions for her long and dedicated service. After leaving the healthcare field, Shirley found a new passion in the world of African art and collectibles where she both worked and herself became an avid collector. During her time working in the collectibles field, she shared many wonderful stories about the professional sports figures and celebrities she met who frequented the collectibles store she managed.

Shirley was a giver. She gave love, support and encouragement to all of those around her. She was a trusted confidante and wise counsel to many in her family. She loved her family and cherished her grandchildren Terrell, Zariyah and Terrell Dowl, Jr.

Shirley loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest with travel, friends and family. Her last vacation was a beautiful trip to Hawaill with her grandchildren and friends. She loved music and plants and she was always known as a beautiful, classy woman.

Shirley leaves cherished memories for her grandchildren Terrell, Zariyah and Terrell, Jr. Shirley was the youngest of seven siblings and leaves behind two siblings; her sister Oena Standsbury of New Orleans, LA. and her brother Pastor David Joseph (Florence) of Donaldsonville, LA.

She leaves to mourn her passing many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends all over the country.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and father Edward and Martha Joseph, her daughter Pamela Boyd, her brother Edward Joseph, Jr., her sisters Ruby Tatum, Martha Sanders and Mary Berteaux, and other close relatives