Shirley T. Hendon, affectionately called Mama Shirley, was born to the late Fred and Mary Wilson in Itta Bena, Mississippi.  At a young age, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio with her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings: Freddie Lee Hatcher, Louise Hemingway, Wardell Wilson, Maggie Turner, Alice Watson, Fred Wilson, Wallace Wilson, Mabel Allison, Cleve Wilson, Marguerite Naby, and Robert Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter Nicole.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and began her spiritual journey as a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. She later continued her walk of faith at Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of her dear friend, Rev. Dr. Earl Preston, Jr., where she faithfully served on the usher board. Her final church home was St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained rooted in her faith under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Elmore Tolbert, Jr. Shirley persevered through many of life’s challenges, including her courageous battle with health issues. Through her faith in God, she was able to live a long fulfilling life.

In 1958, Shirley married the love of her life, North R. Hendon, and they remained happily married for 67 years. She was the devoted mother of three children: Leonard “Mickey”, from a previous relationship, and twins Norlanda and Norquetta, from her union with North. Throughout their life together, Shirley and North enjoyed spending time with friends, participating in their social group, the Old Timers, staying active in politics, traveling, hosting card parties in their home, and creating lasting memories with family.

Shirley loved to bake, and you could always count on finding a fresh slice of pound cake or a batch of tea cake cookies when you stopped by. She was known for her strong personality, which affectionately earned her the nickname “Warden Kelly.” Though she didn’t shy away from tough love, she became a nurturing maternal figure to many across the city of Cleveland. Deeply devoted to her community, she was fondly known as the unofficial mayor of Edmonton Avenue, where she and her family lived for many years. Shirley also played an active role in local politics, proudly supporting Cleveland election campaigns and serving as a dedicated member of the 13th District Civic League.

Growing up in rural Mississippi, her sister Mary Crosby who lovingly referred to Shirley as “her first baby”, played an essential role in her upbringing. After moving to Cleveland, Shirley and her sisters, determined to create a better life for themselves, pursued careers as domestic assistants. This path eventually led Shirley to become the longtime House Manager for Dr. Benard Charms.

During her years working for Dr. Charms, Shirley gained valuable lessons in saving and financial responsibility. She was a firm believer in paying her bills in full and on time, often before the due date, and meticulously tracked them in her “book” each month. She took great pride in passing this financial wisdom on to her children and grandchildren.

She is lovingly remembered by her beloved sister, Mary Crosby; her devoted daughter, Norquetta; her wonderful grandchildren, Lisa (Zdenko), DeShawn (Melodie), and Aaron Dickerson; and her sweet great-grandchildren, Nia, Ivan, DeJa, Cadence, Maxim, and Gia. She also held a special place in her heart for her goddaughters, Valerie Mason and Kathy Sutton, and her devoted niece, Idella Hambline, who stood by her side for many years. In addition, she leaves behind many cherished family members and friends who will miss her dearly.