Shirley Ann Smith,, daughter of the late Laurdell and Cloatee Smith, was born in Selma, Alabama on August 9, 1949. Shortly thereafter, Shirley's mother relocated to Brooklyn, New York where Shirley was raised and attended school. Shirley graduated from Eli Whitney Vocational High School.

Shirley confessed Christ early in life. She joined Little Zion Baptist Church and was a member of the Gospel Chorus. Shirley had a servant's heart that was exhibited to all whom she would meet throughout her life. Shirley was a person who enjoyed interacting with all people. She was an avid reader of romance novels. Her novels followed her wherever she went.

Shirley's years of employment included working at The Salvation Army of Greater New York for over thirty-five-plus years before retiring and where she meet some amazing people and developed life-long friendships which she cherished.

Shirley departed this life on January 23, 2021 at 1:33 a.m. She leaves to cherish the memories her sister Daphane Gomez, four nephews, one niece-in-law, five grandnephews, one grandniece, one great grandniece and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.