She was born July 23, 1954, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late LeVetta (Campbell) and Milton Whitten II. She was a 1972 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. Dedicated and hard working, ShirLee retired from the US Postal Service as Lead Sales and Customer Associate after 30 years. She was a philanthropist of many universities and organizations. A woman of faith and devout Catholic, ShirLee was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica of Chicago and St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary where she served as a lector and treasurer, sharing her time and talents at every opportunity.
D-Devoted, I-Intelligent, V-Versatile, A-Annointed…DIVA!!!
ShirLee is survived by two daughters, Shannon Whitten (Marietta, GA) and Cianté Boyce (Mansfield, OH); five grandchildren, Jamal Lindsay, TaVion Mitchell, Kí’Sean Butler, Mi’Niyah Boyce and Cen’Sere Butler; four great-grandchildren, Tatianna Porter, Arianna Lindsay, Ki’Niyah Whitten and River Mitchell; a sister, Cora (Marvin) Whitten-Sumerlin (Chicago, IL); and six nieces and nephews, Lori Melton (TX), Shynetta Whitten (GA), Demetrius Lindsay (TX), K.C. McCoy (OH), Kevin Crews Jr. (MD) and ShaLaye Whitten (OH); and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
In addition to her parents, ShirLee was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Ki’Lon Brooks, Jermaine Whitten, and Quinton Boyce; sister, Patricia Whitten; and brother, Milton Whitten III.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Diamond, 98 S. Diamond St. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions honoring ShirLee’s generosity may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
