Shirley Mae Grays-Grier was born to Homer and Bertha Grays on August 23, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Collinwood High School in January of 1966 and later attended Jane Adams Vocational School receiving her Certified Dental Assistant Certificate.

In 1966 she met and fell in love with Roosevelt Thomas and had one son, Lavelle Grays (who preceded her in death).

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age where she joined New Hope Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. When the family moved to the other side of town, she joined Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. Shirley attended Greater Abyssinia until the Army transferred her to Sacramento, California in 1985.

In 1987 she joined Antioch Progressive Church where Curtis J. Mitchel was the pastor. She started out in the choir but ended up as an usher where she served as Chairman for many years. As an Usher, she worked in the District, State, and the Western Region in various positions.

Love struck her again and in 1987, she married Willard (Will) Grier and gained a daughter, Heather.

After working as a Dental Assistant for several years, she decided to join the Army Reserve and travel with her Reserve Unit for several years. She became a full-time Active Guard Member as a Recruiter until 1999 when she retired after 25 years of service.

While on active duty she continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Phoenix.

Shirley worked at Grant High School as an ROTC instructor until her health began to fail and had to start Hemodialysis. That did not stop her active work with her Usher Ministry.

On July 3, 2008, she received a kidney transplant in Portland, Oregon. In 2020 her health was challenged again. She had a heart attack and later had to have her right leg amputated. Still, she kept serving as an usher.

Shirley enjoyed playing a variety of card games and traveling to celebrate with family and friends. She belonged to a Bridge and Bid Whist Club. She also enjoyed a good game of Poker or Tonk with friends.

Shirley battled multiple healthy issues over the past few years. Sadly, on April 24, 2024, Shirley passed away at Veteran’s Medical center in Cleveland, Ohio after a prolonged illness and many complications. Due to her strong will, it was not without a fight.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Grays and Bertha Grays-McElrath, Stepfather Hubert McElrath, brother Robert Grays (1986), son Lavelle M. Grays (2001), daughter Heather Grier (2003), sister Delores Hamilton (2017) Goddaughter Karmela Copland (2023), and sister Verline Fleming (2024).

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Willard Grier, granddaughter Ganelle C. Grays-Oliver, grandson Allante M. Grays, great granddaughter Alaya S. Grays, Sister Earline Johnson, loving brother, Homer L. Grays (Helen) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.