Shirley Ann Hill Washington, a cherished soul whose presence illuminated the lives of all

fortunate enough to know her peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her loving family

on April 10, 2024, at the age of 82.

Born on August 9, 1941, in Halifax, North Carolina Shirley Ann, lovingly known to her family

as Sher-Lann, was the third oldest of eight children born to Merlin Sr and Lizzie Jones Hill. She

joined the First Baptist Church in Halifax, NC where she gave her heart to Jesus and was

baptized. In her later years, she joined First Freedom Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens, NY

where she touched the hearts of many with her generosity, gentle spirit, and wisdom. Her love

for singing led her to join the senior choir, where she found solace and joy.

Educated in the segregated south Shirley Ann and her siblings attended the four-room elementary

schoolhouse, she later attended Ralph J Bunche High School participating in the 4-H club and

enjoyed teaching her younger siblings and neighboring children arts and crafts.

Shirley Ann graduated from high school in 1960. After graduating high school faced with

limited employment opportunities, Shirley Ann, along with her sister Linda, set out to begin their

lives in the big city of New York.

While working at Ideal Toy Factory in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. Shirley befriended Gennie Black

who soon would become her mother-in-law. Shirley never could have imagined that befriending

Gennie would lead her to meeting the love of her life, Gennie's son James Washington.

Shirley and James' friendship blossomed into a lifelong love affair, and they were united in

marriage on August 29, 1965. Their marriage was based on love and respect. They both were

fun, talkative, and they had a fantastic sense of humor. If there was a party, James and Shirley

were the life of it.

To this union, two beautiful children were born, the number one son, James, Jr. and the number

one daughter, Sherrill. It is well known that Shirley was passionate, protective and very proud of

her children.

Shirley and James made Queens, New York home for many years but upon James's retirement in

1995 they moved back to his hometown of Shreveport, LA.

Their journey was not without its challenges, yet through it all, they stood united, facing the

unknown with a courage born of their unbreakable bond. Together, they weathered life's storms,

finding comfort in each other's embrace and drawing strength from the love that bound them

together. Shirley's beloved husband preceded her in death on April 27, 2010.

The Lord has now reunited them.

For many years Shirley enjoyed working with students and giving back. It was a profession

that suited her servant's heart. Shirley's life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 — "And be

kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in

Christ."

Shirley loved to love on people and always showed respect and compassion to everyone she met.

She valued friendships and cherished family gatherings. Shirley especially enjoyed spending

time with her children and grandchildren. A good day for Shirley consisted of oxtails and crab

legs and she thoroughly enjoyed her excursions to the casino.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brother Merlin Hill, Jr.; sisters Patricia Hill Cowan,

Rebecca (Linda) Belinda Hill Cutts, and Marjorie Hill Joyner; and niece and goddaughter,

Monique Williams.

Shirley is survived by her son James Washington, Jr (Gloria "Tankey"), daughter Sherrill

Washington (Raymond), grandchildren Trimell, Chloe and Colbi; great-grandchildren Trimell

and Khai; sisters Queen Hill McBride (Thomas) of Clinton, MD, Edith Hill Green of Brooklyn,

NY, brother Bobby Hill of Halifax, NC; Sisters-in-law Debbie (Marion) of Long Island, NY,

Linda (Gerald) of Atlanta, GA; Brothers-in-law Otis Black (Mildred) of Long Island, NY, Rex

Black (Connie) of Long Island, NY and Kenny Black of Shreveport, LA; her Aunt Annie Mae

Anthony of Richmond, VA and her Uncle Tommy Higginbotham of Philadelphia, PA; nieces and

goddaughters, Michelle, Lisa, Macie and Tenesha; bonus daughter, Kim Stalworth of Queens,

NY; bonus son, Seth Colson and her infamous four-legged canine bodyguard "Blaze" along with

a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of which she loved and touched

tremendously.

Shirley departed this life, leaving behind a legacy woven with kindness, laughter, and

unwavering love. Her departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of her loved ones, but her

memory will endure.

May Shirley's soul find eternal peace, and may her life always inspire goodness in others.