Shirley was born April 24, 1935, to George and Hazel Anderson. Shirley met Hank at a party in 1951. They married in 1953 and stayed in love for 60 years. Their son Michael was born in 1956. Shirley began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and both Shirley and Hank were baptized together in 1958 at the International Convention in New York’s Yankee Stadium and Polo grounds. They were baptized in the ocean. In 1968 they wanted to serve where the need was greater, so moved to Colombia, South America. After serving two years, they returned to Chicago in 1970. In 1981 Shirley and Hank moved to the Antelope Valley where they both were faithful servants in the East, South, North, Antelope, Kettering Park, and Joshua Tree congregations.
After 60 years of a loving marriage, Hank preceded Shirley in death in 2014. Shirley’s sister Jackie Lee preceded her in death. Shirley’s grandson David preceded her death. He was 20 years old. Shirley often laughed recalling the time she ran out of bananas and little David exclaimed, “What no banana’s”. Shirley leaves her son Mike whom she loved dearly. She also leaves Mike’s wife Connie whom they loved as a daughter. Shirley leaves two grandchildren Jonathan and his wife Elizabeth and Jacqueline and her husband Justin.
Also, five great grandchildren Theodore, Lukas, Victoria, Kristina and Emily. Shirley had many daughters, sons, and dear friends in the truth she loved affectionately.
Shirley was devoted to serving the true God Jehovah for almost 70 years. Shirley found ways to witness even with limitations. Shirley had an invitation on her door for anyone who wanted a bible study. Three people from her building asked about the study and one person responded who was making a delivery and Shirley shared the truth and developed a return visit.
Mom Shirley, as she was called by her spiritually adopted children, recalls when all it took was a phone call and mom Shirley was there to provide her tender loving care for as long as it was needed.
After Hank went to sleep, Shirley’s son Mike took the lead and had family worship with the entire family by video. Even her granddaughter Jackie and her family in Norway joined family worships by video. Shirley often spoke of Mike and Connie calling every night to talk and Mike praying with her and Connie.