Shirley Marie (Matthews) Brown

Shirley Marie McGraw Matthews Brown was born in Camden , Alabama, April 20th, 1949. She was the only child born to Helen McGraw and James Matthews.

Shirley lived in Alabama until she moved to Youngstown, Ohio to live with her father and stepmother (Faye). The family later moved to Northfield, Ohio where she graduated with honors from Nordonia High School. Shirley was a quiet child who loved to read and learn. She earned her Associates degree from the Cleveland Institute of the Arts , attended Cleveland Community College, and soon after transferred to Grand Canyon University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communication. Shirley loved Cleveland Ohio. She was employed at the United States Postal Service for many, many years. She had various positions, until she retired early due to medical reasons. For the last 5 years she lived at Euclid Health Services Nursing Home.

Shirl leaves behind 3 sisters, Ardith (her best friend) of Chandler, Arizona, Stacia of Indianapolis, Indiana. and Deirdre Matthews also of Chandler, AZ; two nieces, Steffany and Autumn Holloway. Likewise, a very dear friend LeMoyne Smith who consistently visited Shirl the entire time she was in the nursing home.

Shirley is preceded in death by her mother, Helen McGraw as well as parents Rev. James and Faye Matthews, and her husband Jesse Brown. Together Shirley and Jesse had a daughter Andrea (Andi) who passed away as an infant.

The folks at the nursing home will fondly miss Shirley (as they referred to her as “Miss Shirley”) driving around on her scooter, along with her ordering pizza and Chinese food frequently.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27-1

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