Shirley M. Freeman

Shirley Marie Stallworth was born to Willie Virginia Black and James Owens Stallworth on March 1, 1942. Raised in Beatrice, Alabama, Shirley grew up with five siblings; Donald Stallworth, Herbert Stallworth, Ida Johnson, Ollie Stallworth an Marneil Robinson. While living in Alabama, Shirley adopted the Christian faith. As a youth, Shirley attended church at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

After relocating to Southern California, Shirley attended Christian institutions Christ Second Baptist Church, New Jerusalem Baptist Church, St. Luke Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church and Greater Open Door.

Shirley graduated from Monroe County Training School in Alabama on May 13, 1960.Shirley’s educational journey concluded in the Sunshine State with a certified degree in Dietetics from the University of North Dakota in 1981. Shirley was accepted into Tuskegee Institute, but opted to go to work in New York for a brief period. Before moving to California, Shirley briefly lived in Cleveland, Ohio as well.

Making the transition to Los Angeles County, Shirley shared time living with her cousin, Odessa Taylor. During this period, Shirley met Webbie L. Freeman, whom she would marry on May 12, 1962. Shirley would take on Webbie’s surname and become Shirley Freeman. The marriage produced eleven children. Shirley and Webbie would renew their vows which lasted until Webbie’s passing in 2005.

Shirley’s joys in life were simple; she enjoyed the fulfillment of motherhood, reading literature, listening to gospel music, the majesty of thoroughbred horses, cooking and sewing. Shirley juggled motherhood, personal pleasure time and a working career with dignity and grace. For three decades, Shirley worked as a dietary supervisor at St. Christopher Convalescent Hospital in Signal Hill, California. She also found time to work as a budding entrepreneur, doing work as a field representative for Amway, Princess House, Avon, etc.

Shirley is preceded in death by James Owens Stallworth, Willie Virginia Stallworth, Donald Stallworth, Herbert Stallworth, Marneil Robinson, Webbie L. Freeman, and Ike M. Freeman. She is survived by sisters-Ida Johnson and Ollie Stallworth; children Larry Freeman (Verna) Freeman, Dennis (Katrina) Freeman, Sandra Culp-Freeman, Patrick (Katie) Freeman, Alesia Freeman, Janice Freeman, Ken (Charles Rasmussen), Debbie (James) Bushrod), John (Holly Stephens) Freeman, Lydia Freeman, Nerissa (Calvin) Williams Jr.

Shirley is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.