Shirley Ann Holley-Byrd, 74, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to her eternal, heavenly home on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Shirley was born in Akron, Ohio on February 10, 1949. She was a beloved daughter born of the blessed union of Oather L. Burney, Sr. and Lucille Burney. Shirley attended Buchtel High School, graduating in 1968. She later attended Tri-State Bible College. Shirley was deeply concerned for the well-being of others and was employed by Portage Path Mental Health Center where she retired in 2015 after 30 years of service.

Shirley was always proper in how she carried herself. She was always pleasant and had an undeniable calmness you could feel in her presence. She kept a gentle, beautiful smile and a sweet tone in her voice.

Shirley Ann loved her family. Nothing in the world was more important to her. She was a proud mother to Jermaine and Erika. Her grandchildren were her heart and she loved them dearly.

Shirley loved the Lord, Jesus and served God with her whole heart. She was an unashamed Christian and everyone she encountered knew of her faith in God. Her greatest passion was for the salvation of souls. She showed her faith by her works by serving in numerous church ministries and becoming the first female minister of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio in 1999, where she was also a member for over 20 years. She was also a servant of the Lord and member of Second Baptist Church in Medina, Ohio until her passing.

Shirley Ann Holley-Byrd met the Lord having done all God required of her. She served Him well. She fulfilled the greatest assignment as a disciple of Jesus. She was known by her love. She will be greatly missed.

Preceding Shirley in death were her parents, Oather L. Burney, Sr. and Lucille Burney; brothers, Jim Sims and Oather L. Burney, Jr.; and sister, Kathleen Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Jermaine Holley and Erika (LuTrell) Eaton; siblings, Bernard (Michelle) Burney, Willie Margaret Chaplin; brother-in-law, Henry Robinson; sister-in-law, Felicia Burney; grandchildren, Keith Norwood, A’kyra Holley, and Kameron Holley; and many other family members and friends.