Mrs. Shirley Ann (Thompson) Dunn

Shirley Ann Thompson Dunn was born December 25, 1939 in Natural Steps, Arkansas to Rev. Louie (L.T.) Thompson and Evelyn (Anderson) Thompson whom affectionately called her Cricket. An early avid reader and social butterfly, Shirley was a high school cheerleader who led her life dedicated to service-oriented careers. Shirley graduated from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas with a degree in Education. Following in the footsteps of her mother she secured her first teaching job in Searcy, Arkansas where she was also a girls basketball coach. Shirley would continue to expand her teaching career in Juneau, Alaska as an instructor at the Community College and as a youth counselor in San Francisco, California. Shirley was also an Executive Secretary for McGraw Hill Publishing Company in San Francisco, California. She ended her official career in education as the Director of Greater Trinity Learning Academy in Seattle, Washington. However, when she moved to Houston, Texas she continued helping students as a tutor.

Shirley was an active member of Cypress United Methodist Church in Cypress, Texas. She loved the Lord and started her dedication to the church early singing in a trio with her sisters at their father's United Methodist church. Along life's path she was on the Lay Counsel in the Missionary Society and worked in Christian Education. A religious scholar in her own way, she was always seeking the presence of God, whether in her position as a mother of the church at Greater Trinity Baptist in Everette, Washington or the various ways she volunteered throughout her life. Her philanthropic work included children's advocacy on the behalf of the Tulalip Tribe in Marysville, Washington who honored her dedication. She was integral in unionizing teachers at Greater Trinity Learning Academy and testified as an advocate at the Washington State Capital as a member of Service Employees International Union to pass laws to protect and support children.

Shirley, the last of her siblings to transition is proceeded in everlasting life by her parents, siblings Herman Thompson, Wiley Thompson, Roosevelt Thompson, Gladys Mae Watson, Jessie Lee Moore, Herbert Anderson, Mary Louise McClinton, Betty Jean Paige, and William Joel Thompson.

Shirley left a solid foundation to carry on her legacy. Her memory is honored by her daughter Lisa Germaine, son Garland Denzel (Sheri Dunn), daughter Whitney Raquel, and daughter Brooke Covey (Harold Smith). Grandchildren Brennen, DeeJay (BreAna Foster), Elizabeth, Jesse (J.T.), Taylor, (twins) Sydne and Sasha, Trenton, R.J., Kennedy, Makiyah, Aubrey, and Morris. Great-Grandchildren, Kyrie, and Charleigh. Nephew son Orlando, and other nieces and nephews, family and friends. Shirley, our black butterfly, has been released from this earthly realm with love.

A graveside service will be held November 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Clay Baylor Cemetery in Natural Steps, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Shirley's memory by donating to the National Kidney Foundation or The Children's Defense Fund.