Gloria May Shirley

Ms. Gloria May Shirley, daughter of the late Louise Myers and David Shirley was born August 8, 1932 in Kingston, Jamaica. In her early life, while receiving her formal education Gloria worked hard in school and in helping raise her younger siblings. After her schooling Gloria became a caretaker, and a cook. She met Roy Flemmings and had six children together, in the order shown: Hyacinth known to most as Loraine, Lloyd, Errol, Keith, Paul and Annmarie.

Gloria migrated to the United States on December 22, 1992 to be with her daughter Hyacinth and her husband Patrick Smith and their family. While in America Gloria continued to use her skills as a caretaker to help with the upbringing of not only her family but also other young ones. Everyone enjoyed her many tasty Jamaican dishes. Later, she lived with daughter Annemarie and her family for over 17 years. In her leisure she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, listening to music, dancing, reading her bible and watching her TV shows especially her favorite show of all, Matlock.

Gloria always had an interest in the Bible and started studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses in Jamaica. She continued her studies in America with Sister Mack and Sister Eula Hodges. Although she faced some challenges, with Jehovah's help she was able to overcome them and she dedicated her life to Jehovah on September 19 th 1998. Gloria enjoyed talking about her God and sharing the things she learned about him with her friends, family back in Jamaica and others she came in contact with. There were many tribulations Gloria faced in her lifetime but she never swayed from serving Jehovah. Even though physically limited at times, she would always try to be present at the meetings whether in person or via Zoom. Unfortunately, her health in the last couple years made it a challenge for her to attend the meeting in person, but she would still make the needed effort to get dressed and attend her meetings via Zoom even though at times her hearing was limited. She found comfort in meditating on the hope the Bible provides for the future which soothed her during challenging times. In fact, she used to say that, "I always feel closer to Jehovah in my time of heartache and pain". As a result of her gentle but stern personality,  she was loved by many. Her time spent serving Jehovah was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so well, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

She quietly departed this life Tuesday, December 6, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones in her home in Rochdale Queens, New York. She was preceded in death by the father of her children Roy Flemmings, her 4 sons Lloyd, Errol, Keith, Paul, her brothers Veron and Sydney and her sisters, Pearl, Chichi, and Cynthia.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her remaining children: Hyacinth Smith and Annmarie Flemmings, her sister Madge, her 33 grand-children, 32 great-grandchildren, her 1 great-great grandchild, her many nieces and nephews and friends.