Shirley Jasper Wilson

Shirley Elaine Jasper answered the call to eternal rest on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Shirley, the fifth child of the late Marian Elvie Taylor and William Jasper, was born in Washington, District of Columbia on October 18, 1934. She was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System. While in high school, Shirley excelled academically being a member of the Student Council, Honor Society, and Literary Staff. Her motto was, “Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well.”

Upon completion of high school, Shirley continued her education at the Burdick Vocational School of Practical Nursing, receiving her diploma in 1956. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the George Washington University Hospital in DC where she received her training.

In 1958, Shirley married Robert Scott Wilson. They became the proud parents of three children, Robin Conchita, Frank Kevin, and Robert Scott, Jr. Now, as her career became homemaking, lovingly taking care of her family was top priority as she volunteered at the nursery and elementary schools to give her children the best start possible.

As her children grew older, Shirley returned to work and began a new career with the DC School System, first as a Secretary and later as an Administrative Assistant, receiving awards and accolades for her outstanding work performance and being a role model to students and colleagues.

One of the sayings she lived by, “It takes a village to raise a child.” She kept an open door for the neighborhood children, feeding them if they were hungry as well as giving them love and encouragement just as she did for her own.

Before and after retirement, Shirley loved traveling to many destinations within the United States and the Caribbean, sharing souvenirs and photos to treasure upon returning home.

Shirley loved gardening and truly had a “green thumb.” She nurtured her beautiful flowers as they reflected her patience and faith for life. Her other hobbies included cooking, watching games shows, and especially watching football and baseball. She was an avid fan of the Washington Commanders and would reminisce about the times she attended games with her brother Melvin Sr.

She attended services and special events with her daughter Robin at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, Maryland. She loved the sermons, scripture readings, and the beautiful music, as well as the fellowship at the special dinners and holiday celebrations.

Shirley had deep faith and confidence in God. One of her favorite scriptures was from Matthew 17:20-21, "For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, nothing will be impossible to you.” She read scripture daily and showed her love for the Lord by the beautiful and peaceful life she lived. She loved her family deeply and always made herself available in times of need.

In addition to her immediate family, she always remained in close contact with her nephew, Robert Jasper, Jr., who she considered more like a brother as she cherished their special relationship.

She leaves to cherish fond memories, three children, Robin Conchita, Frank Kevin, and Robert Scott Jr., one daughter-in-law Derlene Wilson, three grandchildren, Tierra Wilson-Etherton, Chantel Janai Wilson, Patrick Ronald Milton, three great-grandchildren, Malaysia Yetta Milton, Angel Dollee Milton, Christian Patrick Milton, and one great-great grandchild Alexander Velasquez Castillo. Also, a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.