Cheapeake-Ms. Shirley A. Wilson was called to her heavenly home on Thursday; February 12 2026, at the age of 89. Shirley, the daughter of the late Curtis and Janie West Wilson, was born on April 24 1936 in South Norfolk, Virginia. She grew up at 2011 Hodges Road, attending Waterford Elementary School and George Washington Carver High School (Class of 1956). She completed the nursing aide program at Booker T. Washington night school and a cosmetology certificate from Anne's Beauty Academy.

Shirley joined St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at birth and was a faithful member her entire life. In her youth, Shirley was active in various church and youth activities, including the Franklin Madison Reid Club and Wilson Family singing groups.  As an adult, Shirley was active in numerous ministries and held several positions of leadership at St. James. She served in the nursing unit for several years and was a member of the Stewardess Board, Senior Choir and the Chancel Choir.

Over the years, Shirley was employed at the old Leigh Memorial Hospital on Mowbray Arch in Norfolk and Portsmouth General Hospital. Shirley was a poll worker for the City of Chesapeake. Founding member of the Wilson Family Reunion. For over 30 years ,Shirley was a resident of Broadlawn Park located in the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake.

Shirley was predeceased by seven sisters: Dorothy Miller, Thelma Felton, Elizabeth Williams, Evelyn Woodard, Gladys Thom, Sarah Freeman, and Janet Hays; and two brothers, Melvin Wilson and James Wilson.  She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: a son, Mario Wilson; grandchildren: Jesiah Wilson-Nimmo, Shanel Henson, Kaylen Brown, MaríAna Wilson-Welch, Mario Wilson-Welch Jr., sister-in-law, Barbara Wilson Walker; first cousins Cythnia Pressly, Christopher Stevens, Jean Prattis and Celia Bowles and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Shirley's foundations were her profound faith in God, her family, and her beloved church. "Ports" did things her way, fearlessly independent with total self-assurance and confidence.  Often opinionated, feisty, and resolute she was always a constant presence of warmth, joy, kindness and a second mother to many in the family. Her truest self and spirit were always loved and appreciated.

She will remain in our hearts and will be profoundly missed.  Now that all the sisters and brothers are together in heaven, they can sing and shout the victory.

There is a land where sin cannot be, fear cannot come, doubt
cannot live, night is no more, pain is past forever, peace is
ever ours. Christ is our companion forever.
Rev. Gardner C. Taylor

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday; February 26, 2026 at St. James AME Church; 501 Dinwiddie St, Norfolk, VA 23523. Viewing will be 2 hours prior to service. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Please continue to pray for the family.