Shirley (Sullivan) Sylvester

Shirley (Sullivan) Sylvester who resided in South Bend, Indiana, passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday, October 11, 2019 in her residence. Shirley was born August 10, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, to the union of James and Lillie Mae Sullivan. She was the oldest of seven siblings.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age at True Vine M.B. Church. Following her education, Shirley gainly employed in her career with many endeavors. She went on to get her cosmetology license. Her passion was doing hair which she loved doing.

Shirley was a very loving person and had a heart of gold always opening her door to anyone that needed help. For those that knew her she loved her music and dancing and her dancing partner was Don Golladay and they shut the party down. Shirley was a woman who took no mess from others no matter what. Shirley was known for telling people that “she would stop their heart from beating”.

Shirley was a wonderful daughter, sister, an awesome mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. Shirley was affectionately known as "Shah," "Suga Mama" and "Grannie."

Shirley met and married Tushay Jackson in 1974 who preceded her in death. Shirley started her courtship in 1984 with James Sylvester. James and Shirley relocated to South Bend in 1989. James and Shirley took their vows before God on August of 2003.

Shirley leaves her family to cherish her memory including her husband, James Sylvester; four daughters: Sharon Sullivan of Chicago, Illinois, Shelee (Daryl)) Butler of Laveen, Arizona,  Chereese (Andy) Sumayah and Falon Sullivan both of South Bend, Indiana; two special granddaughters: Erika Sullivan and Timiza Moore; two sons: Bruce (Kara) Sullivan and John Sullivan both of Chicago, Illinois; two stepsons: Jeemal (Kenyatta) Sylvester of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Hardin Lanier of South Bend, Indiana; two stepdaughters: Eloise Sylvester of South Bend and Antionette (Jesse) Ware of Ohio; 41 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Harriet Young, Bobbie Travis and Geraldine (Claude) Smith; one brother, Michael Sullivan, all of Chicago, Illinois; four sisters-in law: Joyce Howard, Freda Howard, Therese Pette and Denise Sylvester who preceded her in death; four brothers-in law: Gary Sylvester, Bilal Shabazz, Greg Howard and Baye Shabazz; one god daughter, Rosline Golladay; three best friends: Ruby Jean Edwards, Tiffany Louis and Maryln Maher; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceding her in death her parents; James and Lillie Mae Sullivan, one brother; James Sullivan, two sisters; Annette Sullivan and Lavern Siler and one granddaughter; Kaalyn La’shay Hicks along with other relatives and friends. 

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