Shirley Batte

Shirley Lee Johnson Batte, age 89, of Norfolk, Virginia departed this life on Saturday, April 12, 2025, just after midnight surrounded by her family. Shirley was born at home in Abbs Valley in Tazewell County, Virginia. Her parents were the late Robert L. Johnson, Jr. and Ruby Jewel Albert Doss. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband, William H. Batte M.D., her brother Herbert L. Johnson, her sister, Clara Brown, and her sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson. Though motherhood was her first and best vocation, she also worked for Composition Services, Piedmont Aviation and Hampton Roads SCORE, in accounting, bookkeeping and office administration.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, William F. Batte (Tamara), Susan Melinda Batte, Robert Paul Batte, Cindy Louise Batte, and her grandchildren, Taylor J. F. Batte and Miranda Lee Batte-Futrell. Shirley began her career in motherhood helping her mother care for her sisters and brother, and she loved them dearly. Her sister, Malinda Elizabeth Rutherford, and her family, her brother Robert L. Johnson, III, and his family, and her sister, Charlotte Sigmon and her family, and nephews, Doug Gaydon and Michael Gaydon are also left to cherish her memory.

A graveside service for Shirley will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Please visit www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com to share a memory and leave a note of condolence to the family.