Shirley “Auntie Shirley” or “Shirl-Ann” Young was born on November 29, 1955, in Garfield Heights, Ohio at Marymount Hospital to the late Johnnie Lee Young and Daisy Dell Young. She was the third of six children.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and graduated from Bedford High School. Before graduating, she became the first high school student hired through the CBE business program at Bedford High School and also made history as the first African American person to be hired at Bedford Municipal Court. Shirley loved the people she worked with and took great pride in helping others navigate their legal needs in any way she could.

Her heart for helping others was one of the many reasons she became affectionately known as “Auntie Shirley.” Friends of her nieces, nephews, and daughter would always seek her out when they were in “trouble,” knowing she would offer guidance, support, and a listening ear.

Speaking of daughter—in May of 1987, Shirley’s life changed forever when she entered one of the best ‘hoods’ of all: motherhood. She welcomed her beloved daughter, Candiss Nicole, a vibrant, adventurous, quirky, creative, inquisitive and energetic little girl. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree—Candiss grew to love family, connection, building community, adventure, style, fashion, gold accessories, children and learning, just like her mom.

Shirley had a deep passion for life and a special love for lighthouses. No matter where we traveled, she always requested one as a souvenir, cherishing each one. She loved playing cards—especially Tunk—and took joy in taking everybody’s money while playing! You could always count on her to have a fresh Polar Pop full of Pepsi in hand, a stack of lottery tickets nearby, dance to the oldies, remember everyone’s birthday, show up fashionably late to family functions, make sure everyone had a Christmas gift, always have ruffle chips and family dip, Watch her shows, and

 Christmas Hallmark movies and, of course, make the yams.

In 2019, after 44 years of full and part- time service, Shirley retired from Bedford Municipal Court, leaving behind a groundbreaking, legendary, and lasting impact. She was supportive, loving, kind, funny, a mentor, and simply irreplaceable in so many ways. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings Johnnie Mae Lodge, Larry Young, Bobby Young, Monica Young, and her cousin Virginia Kincy.

She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her beloved daughter Candiss, her brother John Lee Young Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews who adored her:

Nephews: Willie, Neil, Kevin, Andre, and Ashton

Nieces: Princess, Creama, Ciara, Chayna, Tekeita, and Luccia 

Great-nieces and nephews: Dee, Shanyah, Desi, Lil Will, Shamar, Elijah, Caleb, Bella, TaiSean, Bre’Ona, Lexi, and ManMan.

Shirley will forever be remembered for the love she poured into her family and friends, her unwavering generosity, infectious laugh, and the joy she brought into every room she entered.