Shirley Ann Surant

Shirley Ann Surant, age 71, of Warren, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Shirley was born on April 18, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Stacy and Inas Fleming.

As a child, Shirley enjoyed art class and would love to watch westerns and war movies with her dad. Later, she would spend endless hours watching soap operas with her mom, and enjoyed taking her to Meijer for grocery shopping, to carry on their beautiful southern hospitality, including to-go plates.

In the early 70s, Shirley began her career just off Larchwood, the street she grew up on. Shirley started in a small shop, and soon advanced to Beaver Precision (which later became DANA Incorporated) in Troy, MI right next to the Mini Private Troy airport that was there at the time. Although there were occasional plane crashes in the parking lot, that did not stop Shirley from dedicating herself there as a CNC Mill Operator/Programmer. Working afternoons; Shirley's work consisted of government projects - i.e. Ball screws for the B1 Bomber; in addition, to having her initials on a part, in a flagpole, that went to THE MOON. Shirley would collect the Campbell Soup labels from colleagues putting her kids' class in first place for the school contests year after year, and she still squeezed in goodnight bedtime calls at 7:37pm from the shop floor each night, settling back home just past 11pm with Johnny Carson. Making a living standing on her feet before, during, and after her 2 pregnancies. Shirley would always say: her greatest accomplishments were giving life to her 2 children. Her service as a CNC Mill Operator/Programmer totaled approximately 20 years.

Outside of work, Shirley enjoyed bowling, time with family, supporting her local church, Detroit Sports Teams, ASPCA, & Wounded Warriors. She could start friendly conversations with complete strangers, enjoyed summer visits to Metro Beach, and was drawn to wildlife, mainly dogs, wolves, & dragonflies. Shirley enjoyed many chapters of her life with "Dusty" her beloved German Shepard mixed with Chow. Shirley was a giver. She would even wait with her family in countless long lines at Cedar Point for roller coasters she did not even ride on. But don't be fooled, she was still a bit of a daredevil, she had no fear of hopping on motorcycles for long or fast adventurous rides. Let's not forget the day she so proudly obtained her driver's license at the age of 32. Shirley certainly enjoyed her sunglasses in any public setting and in not one but TWO Dodge Daytona's. Especially that blue one with the Turbo Boost, electric seats, moonroof, & louvers on the back while proudly displaying her yellow suctioned "Baby on Board" sign in the back window (even long after the babies were grown). With a little encouragement from her co- pilot daughter, and Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone blasting, Shirley started hitting the gas on the freeway, living her best life. "Dodge Girls Have More Fun". You better believe the glove box was jam packed with cassette tapes of soundtracks and icons a-like, from The Doors, Michael Jackson, to Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, lots of loud Rock N Roll, - Flipping both Side A & B to name a few.

Shirley also enjoyed Motown music, fine dining, and occasional events downtown. This fashionista's wardrobe stayed updated with spats, polka dots, skirts, & stylish high heels, by making many of trips to The Oakland Mall. Shirley would even make surprise appearances to the lunchroom at her children's elementary school with those shades and that black Wilson's Leather Motorcycle coat. With makeup on point, permed hair, or a pixie cut, you best believe Shirley maintained the "Safety-First" approach with her children, always preaching to "lock your doors, use sunscreen, wear your seatbelt, ask a lot of questions, and always look back to make sure you're not forgetting anything!" Her dream to be called "Mamow" by her grandchildren came true. We will always cherish the memories that were made before this cruel disease called cancer came along. Let us all rejoice in the fact that she is no longer in pain, and at peace with our creator.

Shirley is survived by her children: Marlena and Vincent; grandchildren: Acer and Vayda Kaczynski; and siblings: Janice L. Dryer (Kenneth) and Tracy R. Fleming; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Stacy and Inas Fleming; and siblings: Jeannie Lamberti and Theresa F Kozlakowski.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm and again at 5:30pm to 8pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI. A funeral service will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 12pm, with an instate prior at 11am, at Bethany Baptist Church, 19700 15 Mile Rd, Michigan, MI 48035. Following the funeral services, Shirley will be laid to rest at Roseland Park Cemetery, 29001 Woodward Ave, Berkley, MI 48072.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.