Shirley Ann McArthur was a woman that loved deeply and fully throughout her life. She was a hardworking woman full of wisdom, all-encompassing love, and a strong connection to God; love is what defined her. She was born on April 20, 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee and left this earth on July 1, 2024 in Washington DC, at the age of 65.

Shirley became a mother at 19 and had four children - three girls and one boy. For many years she struggled as a young single mom. Despite the hardships of working and raising four children on her own, she always demonstrated love, affection, and warmth. She never missed a school concert, play, or football game. She taught her children how to be smart and independent, yet humble, compassionate, respectful, towards others.

Shirley met her late husband, Frank McArthur, in 1991. They had a spirited, loving, and passionate marriage, until his untimely passing in 2018. They enjoyed dancing, shopping, eating out, and long drives. They lived their best lives taking trips to Abu Dhabi, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, and Mexico together. Shirley also enjoyed reading on her own and with her "Ladies First" book club.

Shirley loved with her whole heart, so much so that each of her siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews all felt like they had a special and individual connection with her.  She showed us all love in the way she greeted us, her warm hugs, her home cooked meals, the biscuits just to name one!  She remembered everyone's birthday and created a space every where she has lived for anyone and everyone she loved.  Shirley did not hesitate to speak her mind either.  When she deemed necessary, she would put a person in their place if they stepped out of line or pull someone up when they were down. She didn't  shy away from some good gossip. She was full of life wisdom, good quotes, and good laughs.  Those that were close to her were blessed with her insightful guidance. Shirley left a lasting impact on everyone who met her with her loving nature and strong spirit.

Over the last six years Shirley was afflicted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or "Lou Gehrig's Disease".  ALS caused paralysis and a reliance on machines to communicate, breathe, and eat. She approached the pain and indignity of this disease in the same way she approached her whole life, with strength and determination. As a woman of faith, her struggles with this horrible disease only strengthened her belief in God's goodness. The disease did not stop her from sharing her thoughts and offering wisdom, or giving instructions.  In fact, her last words of advice were "It is all good.  Life is just what you make of it.  You either complain or regroup and move on.  I am moving on."  Surrounded by her children, and sister/friend, Sharon, she typed, "One more thing before I forget…" as her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep. We have speculated on what that one thing could be. Maybe about an Amazon order or yet another reminder for us to love hard and live our best lives, or never wait to enjoy ourselves.

Shirley was predeceased by parents, Ralph Brown and Noria Mae Brown; brothers, Kelsey R. Brown, and Jerry L. Brown; sister, Jennie L. Holloway; and husband, Frank McArthur.

She leaves behind children, Noreen Dzieketey, Dashondra Brown (Robert Becker), Jillian Brown, and Julius Brown (Talor Brown); grandchildren, Isaiah Dzieketey, Naomi Dzieketey, Janna Aman, Jamal Aman, and Zimri Brown; brothers, James Brown, and Hollister Brown; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM.