In loving memory of Shirley Ann Stevens, born on August 5, 1937, to the union of Nellie (Woods) Matthews and Lebron Matthews Sr.in Youngstown, Ohio, who obtained her ultimate healing on December 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley embraced life with an abundance of love, wisdom, and humor, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the blessing to know her.

An alumna of East High School, Shirley’s life was a melody of love, laughter, and compassion. A dedicated mentor for youth in foster care, she opened her heart and home with a nurturing spirit touching the hearts and lives of over thirty children, offering them stability, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Shirley was a true matriarch - generous, discerning, and full of warmth. Bonded with love, she was the glue which held her family together. The gatherings she orchestrated were filled with joy and laughter, underscoring her role as the heart of the family. Family gatherings brought her boundless joy, often accompanied by laughter and delightful meals.

A beacon of kindness and strength, Shirley was known for her vibrant personality and love for the Christmas holiday season. Anyone who knew her would undoubtedly remember the joy she radiated during this festive time of year, often adorned in her favorite color, red, which mirrored her warm spirit.

Shirley radiated light in the lives of many, always sharing truth in love, and encouraging those around her to pursue their dreams. Her compassionate spirit resonated deeply, making her more than a caregiver; she was an empowering guiding force for individuals learning independent living skills, especially the youth and young adults.

Shirley was demonstrative of her faith in God through her intentional acts of service to humanity. Accompanied by her husband, the late Rev. Arthur Stevens, she would liberally share her delicious culinary creations as expressions of love for the homebound and needy, sharing nourishment with a generous spirit.

Shirley approached life with a sense of humor and a warmth that drew others to her, enriching their lives with her wise and discerning heart. She generously shared her talents, time and treasury which embodied her love for community and charitable giving.

Faith was tantamount to Shirley, and she found solace in reading the Word of God, cherishing wholesome Christian programming, and indulging in Hallmark movies and soap operas. Movie nights with her loved ones brought her great happiness, and her decades of attending women's retreats presented by her daughter were a testament to her dedication to empowering others.

Shirley's passion for life was palpable—she danced with grace, once serving as a majorette for the VFW, and her creative hands crafted beauty in her surroundings, evident in her love for decorating. As a trained medical assistant and a dedicated nurse's aide, she touched many lives with her elegance and skill, ultimately leaving an enduring legacy of care and compassion.

Shirley’s legacy is entrusted to her beloved daughter Tawina Ragland, whom she shared an unbreakable bond. As Shirley’s primary caregiver, Tawina often referred to her mother as her Precious Baby Doll. Shirley's memory will also be embraced by her stepdaughters Nalungo Lee (Ode) Aduma, and Jewel Stevens; sister Betty Jones and a cadre of nieces and nephews, with special appreciation for her nephew Alfred Davis RN who skillfully shared his medical expertise on her behalf.

As her faith became sight, Shirley was reunited in eternity with her husband, parents, son-in-law Dr. Thomas Ragland; stepsons Ronald Stevens, Lamont Stevens, Carlton Stevens and siblings Dorothy Hudson, Barbara Johnson, Judith Ann Underwood, Joseph Alexander and Lebron Matthews, Jr.

As we reflect on her life, we remember a woman bursting with humor and love and a spirited dancer who reveled in every moment. A true embodiment of grace, Shirley Ann Stevens leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Services to honor Shirley’s profound impact on her family and community will take place at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM with a public viewing. The Celebration of Life Services will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Raymond Austin Jr. as the officiant.

After the committal ceremony, Shirley will be laid to rest among the palatial estates of the Tod Homestead Cemetery. It is in the words and deeds of Shirley Ann Stevens, we find a vivid tapestry woven from compassion, strength, and love that transcends time. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us all.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Shirley Ann Stevens elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.