Shirley T Roller

Shirley T. Roller was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on October 23, 1935. She grew up in Far Rockaway, a beach town, surrounded by friends and family members. As an alumna of Far Rockaway High School, she gained skills in stenography that later enabled her to excel as a legal secretary at prestigious law firms such as Vladeck, Elias & Lewis in New York City and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, from which she eventually retired.

During her late teens to early twenties, Shirley relocated with her family to the south side of Queens, specifically Bricktown, after her parents purchased a new house. It was in Queens that Shirley met and married Clarence Roller, originally from Delaware, becoming Mrs. Shirley T. Roller. Close family and friends affectionately called her by her middle name, "Thad," or variations such as "Aunt Thad" and "Cousin Thad," derived from her middle name, Thadese.

On Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1959, Shirley "Thad" and Clarence Roller, nicknamed “Lovey,” were married. They purchased their first home on Dunkirk Street in St. Albans, Queens, where Shirley welcomed their first child, Sharon. Balancing her career and motherhood, Shirley continued to lead a fulfilling life. The family later moved to a larger house on 196th Street in St. Albans, where they established deeper roots and welcomed two more children: a son, Lance, and another daughter, Melanie, also known as Dawn.

Shirley cherished their new home, which became a hub for family gatherings, barbecues, and parties. These events were characterized by a festive atmosphere, a variety of food and drinks, music, and games, creating lasting memories for all who attended. Shirley's love for hosting brought her immense joy.

An avid traveler, Shirley visited Africa, almost all the Caribbean Islands, and Canada. She was known for her culinary skills, engaging conversations, and unwavering loyalty and honesty. Her love for her family and friends was evident in everything she did.

Shirley "Thad" Roller passed away on February 15th, 2025. She is survived by her sister Adrianne Jamal; her three adult children: Sharon, Lance Jared, and Melanie Dawn; their spouses: Kim and Lynwood; her grandchildren: Lance Jr., Brie, Anais, and Tiffany; her favorite nephew Walter (known as Brother) and his wife Janice; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

“We will always carry you in our hearts.”