John 14:2 In my father's house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Shirley Fentress Stevens loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend transitioned to her eternal resting place on December 14th, 2025. Shirley was born on September 1st, 1939, the fourth child born to the late Edward Fentress & Matilda Forbes Fentress. She was preceded in death by her siblings Edward Fentress Jr (Rambo), Matilda Price (Sister) & William Fentress (Willie). She has one surviving sister, Beatrice Christine Moore.

She later met the love of her life the late Samuel Edward Stevens in New York. On October 9th, 1960, they were united in holy matrimony. This union was blessed with three beautiful daughters, Christine, Regina and Cheryl.

Shirley was always the caregiver. She worked as a Counselor at Qualicap Center, guiding and mentoring the youth of the Queens Community. She later became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked at Goldwater Memorial Hospital caring for the physically disabled.

In 1988 she relocated to Virginia with her husband. Shortly after the entire family followed, which strongly speaks of the bond they possessed with their parents. Shirley continued her earthly calling of being a caregiver, by working at Richmond Memorial Hospital where she later retired.

Shirley was a servant that took her faith seriously. She joined Second Mount Zion Baptist Church where she was a member of the Senior Choir and the Combined choir. She helped to start a senior program, The Rock of Ages & started a food pantry to feed the community. Shirley was always at work doing kingdom business, always lending a helping hand with a kind generous spirit.

Mommy as we so lovingly called her was the matriarch of the family, the glue that held the family together. She nurtured all: her husband, 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, extended family and friends. She found no fault in anyone, always looking for the good in everyone. Her memories and legacy will live on in us forever.

On Sunday 12/14/25 God whispered in her ear and said it's time to come to the room I have prepared for you. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter's: Christine Stevens-Sumpter (The late Curtis S. Sumpter), Regina Stevens-Smith (Martin) and Cheryl Toney (Thomas). 5 Grandchildren: Darel G. Stevens (Summer}, Justin L. Smith, Britnei M Stevens, Kellie N. Stevens and Jared R, Smith ( Ghariba). 10 great grandchildren: Zamiya Stevens, Jayden Smith, Sydney Stevens, Zakari Reed, Madison Stevens, Peyton Smith, Zoe Reed, Zachariah Reed, Bryson Royster & Skylar Smith. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She had a special friend, buddy, Mrs. Barbara Goodall, who assisted her whenever she needed. In loving memory of their grandmother Jared and Ghariba Smith will drill a watering well in Zanzibar Africa honoring her spirit of service. It will be named Shirley & Samuel Stevens Watering Well.