Shirley Ann Brown earned her heavenly wings and departed this life on Thursday, April 15, 2021.  She was born on February 26, 1943, to the late Willie and Leola Knox.

Shirley attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from South High School.   She retired from Jeter Systems Corporation and continued her employment at Arcada Home Health Care. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and special niece, Crystal (Corey) Haynes.   She loved the Lord and enjoyed attending Second Baptist Church.  Shirley loved her Pastor, Roderick C. Pounds, and her church family.

She wore many hats in the community, but one of her favorites activities was playing for Ren’s softball team, where she was the starting pitcher.  She also enjoyed canvassing, doing voter registration, and hanging out with her girlfriends.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Anniebell Knox, Lillie Holtzclaw, and Helen West; brothers, Willie Jr., and Robert Lee Knox; nieces, Cheryl, and Carla Boyer; and husband, Ben Brown Sr.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Twila Taylor of Akron; son, Anthony Averiette II of Detroit; stepson, Ben Brown of Akron; grandchildren, Brandon Williams, Brittany Scott-Miller, Kevin Kennerly Jr, Anthony Averiette III, Trevor Averiette, Anelia Averiette, and Amani Averiette; great-grandchildren, Aklya Williams, Nyriah Shephard, Aja Williams, Zakari Miller, David Shepard, Brandon Williams Jr., and host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.