On Saturday, December 7, 2019, Shirley Mae McDaniel, loving wife and mother of six children, passed away at age 67 with her family by her side.
Shirley was born to the late William Brown and Rosa Woodin, May 5, 1952 in Portsmouth, VA. She attended Portsmouth Public Schools and later received a CNA certificate from Key Business College in 1991.
In 1988, she became a beloved wife to Melvin McDaniel of Portsmouth, VA, her childhood best friend. During their longtime friendship and marriage, her husband could always be heard calling her “Shirl” and keeping her laughing. Shirley is survived by her loving husband Melvin McDaniel, her six children: Stephanie Brown, of Portsmouth, VA, James Brown, of Portsmouth, VA, Calvin Brown (Kenya Brown) of Stafford, VA, Vonda Harris-Otey(Stephanie Otey) of Chesapeake, VA, Cornelius Harris El Paso, TX of and Renita Harris of Chesapeake, VA. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Shirley is preceded in death by three siblings and survived by a host of siblings, Aunts, Uncles, and relatives.
God has allowed our awesome mother to rest in peace. Shirley fought the good fight and finished the race. Everyone knew that she poured out her heart on a high level. She endured advanced cancer but kept pushing. She pressed on knowing her day was close. She is (eternal) a known helper, comforter, loving child of God and a pillar within her city. She lives on and will be known to us as “is” not “was” because she is still a child of God.
Condolences(9)-
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NYSHEA (Shea) EDWARDS says
December 11, 2019 at 2:43 pmOnce upon a time an angel held my hand.
She wiped away my tears and helped me understand
Our time on Earth is brief; there are lessons to be learned.
Each precious day God gives us, another page is turned.
Every chapter full of memories, times of joy and tears,
Triumphs and defeats, through every passing year.
She loved me unconditionally, always by my side.
When no one else would listen, in her I could confide.
With gentle words of wisdom, she led me on my way,
Down the paths of righteousness if ever I did stray.
She saw the light in everyone and gave with no regrets,
Always from her heart, let’s not forget.
Angels come in many forms; for me it was you.
With love I cannot say in words there’ll never be another.
Every day I turn the page, in my heart will ever remain
Everything she taught me as I stroll down memory lane.
Thank you, God, for giving me you Ma Shirley.
Help my, Lord, to keep alive her memory here forever.
I pray that I can someday be everything she hoped I would,
That she’s smiling down from heaven knowing she did good.
As we gather here today, there’s no ending to her story.
Another chapter has begun, full of grace and glory.
God’s called her to his heavenly home, part of his great plan.
Although it may be hard, we all must understand.
Faith is what is hoped for, things we cannot see.
Heaven is promised to all of us if only we believe.
I love you Ma Shirley and the rest of the family
Ruth Mouton / Harris Family says
December 16, 2019 at 3:01 pmWe are praying for y’all may God continue to bless y’all from your Louisiana Family . Stay strong and praised up ❤️❤️??
Latoya Smith says
December 16, 2019 at 3:06 pmR.I.P to a beautiful lady. No more suffering on this earth. You and the family are in my prayers Red. Love Latoya Smith.
Maurice and Bonita Otey says
December 16, 2019 at 7:11 pmOur deepest condolences for the loss of your mother, the matriarch of your family. Please know that she is suffering no more. She has earned her wings and is resting with our Heavenly Father. And she will live within you all forever. Rest in Heavenly Peace, Shirley!
Lashalla Moore says
December 16, 2019 at 10:25 pmSo sorry for your loss cuz sending prayers and love out too you and the family we love y’all always.Godspeed Mama Shirley You Have Gain Your Wings Sleep In Peace
Tyree Martin says
December 17, 2019 at 2:31 amCan’t believe I’m writing this . I love you soooo much . I’m soo sad that your gone . Thank you for being there for me and my kids… you accepted me regardless of what was going on with my marriage and even afterwards .. sleep in peace . Ima miss the notes you used to write me . I love you and will see you again soon ! ?
Za'khiaa H says
July 14, 2021 at 12:33 ammy bestfriend , my peacemaker , my ride or die , my whole heart
my grandmother , almost 2 years in still till this day cant believe your gone . ii miss are talks , are laughs , playing cards , cooking , going shopping & more , my grandma is my world , never in a million years thought ii would lose my grandma so early , watching you go through the pain you went through breaks me , but to knowing your not hurting anymore & your in a safe place comforts me , just wish it didnt have to end like this but you faught a tough battle grandma in im proud of you .. ii miss youu so much , cant wait to be with you again , i love you gramss .
lovve , khiaa .
Kevin Johnson says
December 17, 2019 at 9:57 amRedd we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mother. Kevin and I are here for you and the girls if you need anything.
Love you,
Kevin and Christa Johnson
Ebony Walden says
December 19, 2019 at 10:51 am“My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family during this difficult period. May you find the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your mother rest in peace.”
Love,
Ebony Walden & Family