Shirley Ann Miller, a cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend departed this life on Thursday, June 6, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She leaves a legacy of love, strength, and kindness for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to carry on. She was a beacon of laughter, life and happiness naturally causing people to gravitate towards her.

Shirley was born on April 17, 1956, to the late Robert and Williemae Burnhart Brooks in Far Rockaway, NY. Shirley was raised in Brooklyn, New York and was educated in the New York City Public School System. She graduated from Sarah J. Hale High School in 1974. Shirley left New York in 1980 to follow her heart and establish a new life with Bobby in North Carolina. Shirley dedicated her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant providing compassionate care to patients with grace and empathy. She worked in hospice care where she had a nurturing spirit and a natural ability to bring comfort to those in need.

She continued working in various areas of healthcare until her retirement. Not one to sit still for too long, Shirley decided to return to work in 2018 and joined the Guilford County School System as part of Food and Nutrition Services. As the “cafeteria lady”, Shirley was known for her animated energy, generous portions, and her infectious smile.

She was as kind and gentle with her patients and students as she was with her family. She brought joy to everyone she met and made a profound impact on everyone in her community.

Throughout Shirley’s life, she was a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for her family. Shirley met her husband; Bobby Miller in New York and they were together for 51 years. From this union they had three daughters Sherkica, LaPorsche, and LeTreva. Shirley was blessed with three bonus children, Mary, Bobby (Andre) and Shawane whom she adored with all her heart.

Shirley had a heart of gold and genuine love for life and people. She wanted to give as much of herself to the people she loved and cared about and it was evident in everything she did. Shirley never met a stranger and truly enjoyed talking to people “and stuff”, listening to their stories of life and sharing her wisdom. Shirley was full of joy and laughter. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling. Exploring around town, where she took pleasure in people watching, shopping (especially at Cato Fashion, Ross, and Roses, her favorite stores), tasting different cuisines, attending concerts and shows was a true passion.

She was also known to be quite the interior designer and took the opportunity to revamp her home at what appeared to be every other week. Shirley relished adventures with her grandchildren from skating to amusement parks to putt-putt to new treats and desserts. Shirley delighted in speaking regularly with her grandkids about what was going on in their lives.

Although she was spoiled by her kids (because she absolutely deserved it), she made it a point to share all she had with others to include making food plates and goodie bags for the local homeless out of her own belongings.

Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings Robert Brooks Jr., Harry Brooks, Willie C. Dunn, and Rose Anna Brooks.

She is survived by her husband Bobby, daughters, Sherkica Miller-McIntyre (Gary) of Concord, NC, LaPorsche Miller (Josh) of Minneapolis, MN, and LeTreva Miller of Charlotte, NC, bonus children, Mary Moore of High Point, NC, Bobby Andre (Regina) Miller of Fredericksburg, VA, and Shawane (Barron) Gunnings of Woodbridge, VA, sisters, Edith (David) Lewis of Baltimore, MD and Betty Combs of Crawfordville, GA, sister-in-law Dorothy Dunn of Atlanta, GA and her aunt Geraldine Melton of Cincinnati, OH.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her sixteen grandchildren: Codi, MacKenzie, Chance, Madison, Genevieve, Dylann, Masyn, James, (Andi), Kiera, Tyshema, Sha'Neice, Louis (Ashley), Sha'Von, Shi'Quan, Sha’Rena and Bryce along with her beloved eight great grandchildren, Justin, Azavier, Joshua, Aalyria, Jymel, Brielle, Amir and Ciel.

Shirley Ann Brooks Miller will be forever remembered by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Greater First United Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.