Shirley Bernice Shine

Shirley Bernice Shine was united in the arms of the Lord on Monday, June 26, 2023, at INSIGHT (Mercy) Hospital, Chicago, IL at the age of 69. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Ashley Shine Sr. & Theresa Gordon Shine. Brothers: Douglas Shine, Willie Shine, Archie Shine and Robert Townsend. She was born in Blytheville, AR on July 10, 1953. She was the eighth of eleven children. She confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age at True light Baptist Church in Blytheville, Arkansas. Shirley attended public schools and graduated from Blytheville Senior High School in May of 1971. She started Philander Smith College in August of 1971 and graduated as a History Major in July of 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her tenure at Philander Smith College, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In addition, she continued her learning through certifications from Arkansas State University. After graduation she worked for the City of North Little Rock. Her work experience included employment as a Special Education Teacher and a Walmart Supervisor. She worked in Blytheville primary school system as a Special Education Instructor. When her father became ill, she moved back home to Blytheville, Arkansas to be his caregiver until he moved to Chicago for care at the University of Chicago. Later she moved to Memphis, TN and eventually accepted a job at the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Nashville, TN. Shirley retired from the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute after 20 years of service. Shirley spent her final years (2016- 2023) in loving care with her sisters Martha and Mary. Shirley enjoyed shopping, cooking “soul food”, and spending time with her family. She was an avid reader who read several books a week. She had a beautiful smile and a wonderful laugh that she shared with everyone. She loved gospel music that got you up on your feet, clapping your hands and feeling the Holy Spirit. Shirley Bernice Shine put on her robe and left us to tell her story about how she made it over. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter; Tracey Shine (Little Rock, AR), and Two granddaughters: LaQuashia (Seandrex) Brooks (Little Rock, AR and Karmiesha B. Smith (Frisco, TX). Three brothers: Rubin (Frankie) Shine (Dalton, IL), Ashley Shine Jr (Chicago, IL). and James (Karen) Shine, (Memphis, TN), and three sisters: Martha Shine and Mary Shine (Chicago, IL), Betty (Jessie) Smith, (Arlington, TN) and Sister-in-Laws; Shelia Shine (Willie) (Gary, IN) and Linda Shine(Archie) (Chicago, IL) and a host of loving nieces(7), great nieces (4), nephews (12), great nephews (4), greatgreat nephews (2), cousins other relatives and friends.

Shirley Bernice Shine

July 10, 1953 - June 26, 2023