Shirley Ann Thompson was born on August 11, 1947 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Her parents, Dixie Wills, Jr and Beatrice Gooden Wills had three children from their marriage: Curtis Lee (deceased), Dorothy Mae, and Shirley Ann. Not living at home were ten other siblings: Dixie’s children: Theresa, Doris Cell, Mae Thelma (dec), Barbara Jean (dec), and William Charles (dec); and Beatrice’s children: Marie (dec), Eldora (dec), Mattie (dec), Catharine (dec), and Hazell (dec).
Dixie and Beatrice moved the family from the farm in Arkansas to Cleveland, Ohio. Shirley was six years old at that time. Her education continued in the Cleveland School District. In 1965, she graduated from East High School. While there, she was a majorette in the marching band. Shirley was known as a friendly, kind, and compassionate person.
Confessing her faith in Christ while a teenager, Shirley was baptized at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. This is the same church where her family began worshipping shortly after moving to Cleveland. She served as an usher there for many years. Among other involvements at Greater Abyssinia, Shirley was active in the National Council of Negro Women. After moving to Oakwood, Shirley joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.
After graduating high school, Shirley married Raymond Holliday (dec). From this union was born Raymond Holliday, Jr. Years later, Shirley married Earl (Ricky) Thompson, and they moved to Oakwood, Ohio. While living in Oakwood, she and Ricky became loving caregivers to Shirley’s parents, Dixie and Beatrice.
Shirley began studies at Cuyahoga Community College and working at Standard Oil (SOHIO). She started in the Mail Room and worked her way up to become a secretary. After her son’s birth, she began working at Eaton Corporation, where she worked for many years. Starting at Eaton as a secretary, Shirley became a purchasing manager in charge of buying office supplies, equipment, and furniture for Eaton Corporation’s World Headquarters in Cleveland.
Shirley was very active at Eaton, volunteering for the Minority Business Fair (MBF) and was the chairperson for its Fourth Annual Fair. She advocated for minority businesses. The friendships and relationships formed at Eaton remained strong until the end of her life.
Shirley loved cooking, which she learned from her mom. Her cooking skills, kindness, and friendliness came easily and naturally. She loved sharing her cooking, often had friends over for meals and provided for neighbors in need. Bowling was one of her favorite hobbies. She loved to travel, visit family and friends, and see new places. Dancing and singing brought her such pleasure. Smiles and spreading joy were her specialty.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Ricky; her son, Raymond Jr (Lalitha); her sisters, Doris Lucas, Theresa Nicholson, and Dorothy Sloan; her niece, Mary Blue; her stepsons, Darren Thompson (Latonya) and Sean Thompson (Emerald); grandchildren Ray and Ryan Holliday, Darren Jr, Jordyn, and Sean Thompson Jr, Michael Buckner, and Marie Taylor; great granddaughter Journee Thompson; Uncle Tommie Roberts Sr and cousin Tommie Roberts Jr (Marian); her godchildren, Walter Robinson and Michaela Williams; her devoted friend and neighbor, Brenda Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.