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.
Sweet Moments was sent for Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller - June 13, 2024
SHIRLEY ANN WALLACE sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller - June 13, 2024
To The Miller Family: Our thoughts and continued prayers are with you all at this time. May the memories of her life bring you comfort and peace. Love, Shirley Wallace & Family
Kevin Peterkin sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller - June 12, 2024
Gone, but never far from our hearts. Deepest sympathy for your loss. From the Wellington Family
Derek & Nereida Sutton sent Serene Lily Basket for Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller - June 10, 2024
To The Miller Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Sutton's, Archdale, NC
Mona Gatlin sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller - June 10, 2024
Our sincere sympathy and condolences.
Love the Gatlin Family, Mona, Shawana, & Joshua
Jessica Teal planted 10 trees in memory of Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller . - June 12, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to Laporsche and the Miller family. We hold you close in our thoughts. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Jenn Banks, USDA
To Sherkica & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother's passing. Praying and asking God to give you and your family strength during this very tough time. I am here Sis, if you need anything. Sending my deepest condolences. With Sympathy, Michelle Montgomery
Our condolences and love to you Sis Sherkica and your family in this very trying time. May God's love and comfort sustain you. Howard & Linda Burton and family.
I'm in shock just seen this my heart is broken you were always so sweet to me and family will truly be missed I will definitely keep the family in my prayers.
My condolences to the Miller family.My prayer are with you . May you always find comfort in God.❤️ Dorothea Oliver and family
LaPorsche so sorry for you and your families lost. Dr Lisa Fyall USDA, Agriculture Marketing Services Admininistive Services Division Managemwnt Services Group
Shirley and Bobby were neighbors of ours on Worth St and she and I became friends 🧡 she was a sweet and kind person and always smiling.Praying for her family and and may God Bless each and every one of you. Mary Russell.82F6MHMHM
Sending my condolences and prayers to the Miller family. Virginia McLean and Nicole McLean Moore
My condolence on the loss of Mrs Shirley. I don't think I could have met a more caring person. She left a void in all the lives that she has touched and she will be missed dearly. Gone from this live but forever in our hearts. (Kevin Peterkin )
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. We enjoyed every visit with Shirley, she always smiled brightly and such good conversations. May the memories comfort you. Prayers for all of you to have strength and blessings to all. Randy and Chris Schlueter
Sending my deepest condolences to the Miller family. Mrs. Shirley you will be missed ❤️ -Myia White
Dear Bobby and family, We are deeply saddened by Shirley's passing. Our prayers are for you to find comfort in Shirley's life and love she shared with you through the years and God's everlasting grace. Billy and Marietta Douglas Greensboro, N..C.
To Sherkica, my dear friend/sis, your mom was such an amazing woman of God and she always showed love. I remember doing Mrs. Shirley's hair years ago and she would say Puff do something to this head lol. Last time I seen her we hugged and she asked about my mom. She's going to be truly missed😢To you, your sisters, the grandchildren and Mr. Bobby I pray that God continue give you all the strength to get through this trying time🙏🏾Love Puff🥰❤️
Shirley was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. One of those kind souls who never met a stranger, and every time you saw her, she was smiling. Bobby, Sherkica, and the entire Miller family, you all have my sincerest condolences. Take your rest now Shirley, until we meet again friend. Lovingly, Monique Waldo-Hayes & Family
To Bobby Miller and Family, Mrs. Shirley Ann was a light that could not be dimmed. She was an Angel on earth beautiful inside and out and one of GODS most faithful servants. My prayers to you all and may her memories give you peace and comfort! 🙏🏾 Sean Wilson & Family
Aunt Shirley, When The Lord said to shine our light-you understood the assignment. I thank God for your amazing, selfless light. You always reached out and kept Alanna, Sabrina and I included, and checked on us. They never got to meet their Grandmother, but I'm so thankful they got to know you and got to see you for your Birthday. You fought the good fight, and paradise is your reward. You will never be forgotten. Much Love and prayers to all the Miller/McIntyre/Brooks families. Love Michelle, Alanna and Sabrina.💕
My dearest aunt, your life spoke for itself. Full of strength, courage, tenacity, love, compassion, welcoming, selfless concern, most of all support. God imputed all His righteousness within you, and always overshadowed you with the ambiance of His loving grace and continued mercies.it's an honor and a privilege to know that I can call your name and be overshadowed by the glory of God. Your life spoke values, and volumes of life's seasoned lessons that gave me power to stand, to press, to never give up on my self nor on anything, anyone else. You never placed God in a box, you leaned on everlasting faith and with the hope of glory! Rest In Peace! My aunty for life here and later! Your neice Lakima
To Sherkica Miller McIntyre and the entire Miller family. My heart mourns with you in the lost of your dear mother. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you as you all go through this transition. May you find peace in knowing that she fought a good fight and have received her wings.
Katrina Smith and Family
Auntie ~ You will always be remembered for all of your great works and loving demeanor towards everyone that you encountered! Though the "Family Gatherings " will never be the same, we take comfort in knowing we will see you again, until then, take your rest. We love you !! ~ Derek & Michelle
Sending our sincere condolences to Bobby Miller & family. Shirley was a kind, loving person. She will always live on in your hearts. With sympathy, Joann & Willie Graham's Family
My Condolences and Prayers to the Miller Family. I always remember the first time I met Shirley in the mid 70's on a trip to New York she was so nice and was that way every time I would see her. Such a nice person to be around.No more Pain. Carl and Brenda Brand
One of the sweetest Angels I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.. I love you Ma Shirley rest well ... I'll see you in the Great Morning ❤️Stephany Steed Chavis
Last entry from Cousin Frank.
I'm going to miss you my dear cousin Shirley. The conversations about family, sports and even growing up in Coney Island. Until we meet again on the other side. Rest in eternal peace Queen Shirley.2p7j
This one really really hurts. Auntie you are truly going to be miss and I thank you for everything and I mean everything that you have shared with me and my family🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿😘😘😘😘. LOVE TYRONE BROOKS
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