Anyone who meets Ms. Shirley Ann Smith NEVER forgets her. She was a living comedic history lesson. This outspoken Capricorn has been the light of many people’s lives since she blessed this earth on Sunday January 9,1944 in St. Louis MO. She was the eldest child and only daughter of Fred T. Smith and Grace K. Smith, who welcomed a son, Fred Jr. a year later.

 As young goal driven parents, the family moved to Toledo, OH in which Ms. Shirley was nothing less than a stellar student with a shining personality. She was adventurous... a pioneer of sorts. So, when she told her stories about her childhood, it wasn’t surprising to hear her include smaller feats like creating new ideas or greater things such as being one of the first black students to graduate from an elite all-white catholic high school.

 After high school, Ms. Shirley's adventurous spirit kicked in and she decided to move to California to join her mother. There she had a whirlwind romance and married her love interest. From this union 2 sons, Roger and Scott, plus one daughter, Imani, were born. They were her pride and joy which pushed her to work harder and achieve her goals. She continued her education in nursing and used her knowledge to assist in the progression of the black community. Unfortunately, the stress of being a young family took its toll on the marriage and the couple divorced. Years later, she tried love again and which resulted in the birth of her youngest daughter, Hoshi.

Over the next few decades, Ms. Shirley made her mark in the Bay Area. and continued to be influential in the community. She was very involved with various women’s health programs and creating employment opportunities while working for the State of California's Employment Development Department. She was even a long time member of the North Oakland Senior Community Center where her participation in enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens in the neighborhood was routinely recognized.

In 2015, she made the decision to moved to Texas after her long history in California. There she continued to live her life independently while finding new interests such as Korean movies to add to her love for shopping, decorating, gardening, and people. She lived a full life until her passing on July 11, 2023.

Ms. Shirley A. Smith was proceeded in death by her mother Grace K. Smith; her father Fred T. Smith; and brother Fred T. Smith Jr. She leaves behind to continue her legacy children- Roger Smith-Truss, Scott Smith-Truss, Imani Alcantara, and Hoshi Smith-Maddox along with 7 grandchildren- Aponi, Akoni, Noah, Novina, Shaddai, Gabriel, and Corallena. She also leaves behind a host of family, friends, and loved ones.