Novella L. Shockley

Novella Irene Lockman Shockley was born in Cardova, Maryland on March 21, 1919. She was the daughter of the late Reverend James O. Lockman and Mrs. Jaal Lockman. She was the youngest of three siblings, the late Claudia L. Lockman and the late Lycurgus A. Lockman.

The Lockman family moved to Lincoln, Delaware where Mrs. Shockley enjoyed her early years. She went away to Boarding School for Junior High and High School at what was then called “State College for Colored Students.” Mrs. Shockley continued her Education at what was later know as “Delaware State College”. During her college years she became a Star Basketball player. When she was in her 80’s, Mrs. Shockley was inducted into the Delaware State University Hall of Fame for Women’s Basketball and on the occasion of her 90th Birthday she received recognition from the New York Knicks calling her “ One of the Most Loyal New York Knicks Fans.”

Throughout her college years, Mrs. Shockley was also a member of the Delaware State College Concert Choir. Her gifted soprano voice was recognized all over. She was often asked to sing solos not only in church, but at Social events. Mrs. Shockley became a member of the choirs in St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Milford Delaware, Babylon Methodist Church, and New Shiloh Baptist Church. She sang with a trio consisting of our Aunt Libby and Mrs. Elliot who were her best friends and teaching colleagues. They sang all over Delaware.

Mrs. Shockley graduated from Delaware State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She married the late Alonzo H. Shockley Jr. in 1942 and they had three children, Novella, Cheryl, and Lonny. The children were raised in a nurturing and loving environment surrounded by family and extended family of pretend Aunts and Uncles. Mrs. Shockley started her teaching career immediately upon graduating from College. The Shockley family resided in Milford, Delaware until their move to New York. She loved children and was recognized for her excellent teaching skills. She taught in the state of Delaware for many years until moving to North Babylon, New York in the early 60’s. Mrs. Shockley left Frankford, Delaware where she taught in a segregated all black school on a Friday and began her teaching career the following Monday in the Plainedge School District North Massapequa, New York where she become the only Black teacher in the district at that time, and the only Black Staff member in the entire district. She was quite a pioneer and made a difference in the education of her students no matter who they were. Mrs. Shockley retired in 1984 after forty years of teaching. Her life after retirement was surrounded by family and friends. Mrs. Shockley traveled to Europe and several Caribbean Islands. Her love for family increased when she was blessed with three Grandchildren and five Great-Grandchildren. Mrs. Shockley also loved her Church family. She faithfully participated in the church choir, Bible Study, and the annual State Fundraiser. She was very active until she could no longer attend. Mrs. Shockley was an “Optimistic Optimist!” She had a great sense of humor and her life was filled with laughter. She loved Music! She loved to Sing! Her days were filled with music as she listened over and over again to traditional Hymns. It soothed her soul because she loved the Lord.

Mrs. Shockley made a peaceful transition on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. She leaves to mourn her beloved children. Novella S. Randolph (Husband Howard), Cheryl E. Durant (Husband James), and Alonzo Hilton Shockley III (Lonny). Grandchildren: Lynsey Shockley, Adena and Akin Ajayi, Jeffrey and Shelby Randolph. Great Grandchildren: Tolani, Taiye, and Kehinde Ajayi, Kira and Neena Randolph.

Mrs. Shockley also leaves to cherish her memories a nephew, James Starling from Milford, Delaware. In addition she leaves a host of dear friends.

Mrs. Shockley, you were an integral part of our lives. Your loving spirit and immeasurable courage will never be forgotten.

Friends and family may visit on Saturday October 13, at the New Shiloh Baptist Church in Wyandanch, 221 Merritt Avenue Wyandanch, from 9am-10am. Funeral Service 10am-11:30am. Interment to follow at North Babylon Cemetery, Babylon, NY.