Marie Shirley

Lessie Marie Brown Shirley was born July 22, 1942 in Corinth, MS to the late Wilson & Lessie Brown.

Mrs. Shirley was raised in Memphis & moved to Gravel Hill in McNairy County in 1980. She was an assistant teacher at Michie Elementary School for over 20 yrs. Whether it was helping students with math or providing school supplies for the less fortunate, she always had a talent for helping others. At home, her hobbies included gardening & cooking for her family. She was always sure to make everyone’s favorites, which became her love language.

Mrs. Shirley departed this life peacefully at home on January 11, 2022 at the age of 79 years. She was surrounded by her husband and children at the time of her death. She is survived by her husband of 62 yrs, James G. Shirley. She leaves behind her siblings: Edith (Terry) Grant of Biloxi, MS; Gerald (Mickey) Brown of Memphis, TN; Mary (Jim) Saemenes of Selmer, TN; and Everette Brown of Murfreesboro, TN. She is survived by her four children: Danny Shirley, Mike (Devona) Shirley, Ronnie (Sandy) Shirley, & Johnnie Ellis. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren, & numerous nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings: James Brown of Memphis, TN & Terry Brown of Bolivar, TN.

Mrs. Shirley was a Christian, baptized into the Lord’s church on November 15, 1976 along with her son, Mike, at Macon Road Church of Christ. She was a faithful member at Fourth St. Church of Christ in Selmer, TN.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.