Shirley Irene Chestnut was born on March 1, 1948, to the late Washe and Annibelle Chestnut. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Thomas "TJ" Larry, Charles Jerome Chestnut, Sr., Willie Frank Chestnut, Eddie Raymond Chestnut, Sr., and Johnny Lewis Chestnut, and Sisters: Flora Jean Harris Owens, Patricia Chestnut Smith, Linda Gaile Chestnut, and Audrey Marie Blain.
She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age when she attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Herschel Palmer. She graduated from Lincoln Memorial High School in 1966. She went on to further her education at the University of South Florida where she earned a Bachelor's Degree. She also earned a Master's Degree.
After college, her journey took her to Atlanta, Georgia. She was a faithful member of New Life Presbyterian Church where she was loved by the members. They all said Shirley would light up the church with her beautiful hats and bright colors every Sunday morning. She had an affectious laugh that made everyone smile.
In her professional career, she worked at PepsiCo and served as a Librarian and Historian in the Fulton County Library System.
Shirley's memory will be cherished by her family and friends who were touched by her presence and personality Among those who will hold her dear: the eldest and only surviving sibling, her caring and devoted sister, Annette Kelly, of Penfield, New York, Nieces: Gigi Kelly Buriahmoh, Shawn (Demetris) Cunningham, both of Austin, TX, and Kesha (Kendricks) Robinson of Fayetteville, NC, Nephews: Myron Chestnut, Sr., Onrih Blain, Sr., both of Bradenton, FL; William Harris, Jr. (Jenine) of Washington, D.C., Roussan Harris of Jacksonville, NC, Eddie Raymond Chestnut, Jr. of Norman, OK, and Charles Jerome Chestnut, Jr, of Bradenton, FL, who was not only her nephew, but her devoted supporter and caregiver, Aunt: Onie Ruth Burney Soggs of Batavia, NY. A special cousin, Mary Ann Shannon, of Palmetto, FL, her best girlfriend, Antoinette Chandler of Atlanta, GA, and LaTanya Edwards, who was also a caregiver, whom she cared for dearly, the Congressional Care ministry of New Life Presbyterian Church, and a host of other relatives, church members, and friends.
Shirley lived a life of service, both to her faith community and through her professional endeavors, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and dedication. Beyond her immediate family, Shirley's impact extended to her church community, friends, and acquaintances, all of whom will remember her fondly and carry her legacy forward through their memories and stories.
