Shirley Mae Mitchell, 91, of Springfield, MA, entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Shirley was born in Evansville, Indiana, on August 6, 1932. She was predeceased by her mother, Alice E. Thomas, father, Mayo Mitchell, and step-father, Colombus T. Thomas Sr., who raised her.
She graduated from Lincoln High School in Evansville, IN. Shirley relocated to Springfield, MA, in August 1962. She was a former employee of Shultz Department Store and McCurdy Hotel in Evansville, IN, Buxton in Chicopee, MA, Diamond Match in Springfield, MA, Pratt and Whitney, East Hartford, CT, and retired from International Fuel Cells, South Windsor, CT. After retirement, she worked at Costco as a Product Demonstrator.
Shirley was a spiritual woman, who loved serving the Lord. She was raised in Zion Baptist Church in Evansville, IN, under the leadership of Rev. John M. Caldwell, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Holyoke, MA, under the leadership of Dr. Judge Lee, and was a member for over twenty years. At Bethlehem, she was an active member, singing in the choir, member of the Hospitality Committee, Sunday school teacher and involved in the Vacation Bible school. She was a dedicated member of New Creation Discipleship Ministries, Springfield, MA, under Bishop Charles W. Pink II, for twenty-two years, where she served as the choir director for seven years. She was also a member of the David Marshall Jackson Choir for several years.
Shirley was a member of the Even Unique Social Club that focused on charitable contributions for sickle cell anemia. She enjoyed reading novels, singing, dancing, cooking, playing cards, bowling, watching movies, shopping, and keeping up with the latest fashion. Shirley also loved talking and spending time with family and friends.
Shirley was predeceased by her brothers, Colombus T. Thomas Jr., and John L. Thomas Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memories, six sisters, Earline V. Thomas of Atlanta, GA, Gladys Porter of East St. Louis, MO, JoAnn Mooney of Evansville, IN, Joice Nichols of Phoenix, AZ, Hattie Mitchell and Patricia Dejarnett of Evansville, IN, and one brother, James Thomas (June). She also leaves a special niece and nephew, Arline and Alvin McKenzie of Springfield, MA, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, March 15th from 10 to 11am with funeral to follow at 11am all at Memorial Baptist Church. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park.
To order
memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Mae Mitchell, please visit our
flower store.