Name: Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Address: Hampton, VA

I'm saddened to hear about "Mama" passing!! She was such a sweet, beautiful lady! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

As a child, my Grandmother was a nurturer, protector and fellow adventurer to me. She was a huge influence on who I am today inspiring me to embrace arts and crafts, cooking and a love of the outdoors. She was always there for me, no matter what, with a smile and a hug and a heaping helping of love. I last saw her July 2023 and we both knew it would be the last time we were together. I told her how much she meant to me and thanked her for the huge role she had played in my upbringing, then we said our goodbyes. I will never forget the lessons of love and fun she taught me and I will do my best to pass them on to her great grandchildren.

The Defender
Mom…your poems shared so sweetly reveal a pure heart tried and true,
while mine is not so eloquent, I now have a poem for you; 
You taught me how to love, and then you set me free,
you said I made you very proud, your words encouraged me;
I stumbled, I ran, so afraid sometimes, but finally found my way,
I realized I was all grown up…it was a misty, lonely day;
You never failed me, not ever, not once, through your own tears, despair, and storm,
I became your defender, I vowed to keep you safe and warm; 
I scratched and clawed I challenged them, I stormed the gates of hell,
never realizing the cruel enemy was right inside our cell;
The enemy silenced you in your suffering, silenced your defender, too, 
I screamed, I pleaded to callous ears, my tortured soul deceived and blocked from you;  
Evil tackled righteousness and we were forced to taste the bile,
sweet Jesus never left us, mom, our tormenters will stand trial; 
When the angels cradled you in their arms and you took your final breath,
you and I were both set free and now we finally rest; 
Momma I rejoice for you, the angels they now sing,
there is only truth in Heaven, hallelujah, you now know everything;
Still, the storm lingers strong within me, outside it’s raging, too,
loneliness unbearable, suffering the betrayals that are far from few;
One day I will know peace and joy, when righteousness is won,
now my sweet dear mother…we praise the Lamb of God…it is done.
Your youngest daughter, Rita, “Buttercup”

Mrs. Shirley and I taught Sunday School together for many years at First Calvary Baptist Church in Hampton, VA.  She became a dear friend to me. She was so very loving to me, my family and every child she taught. She will be greatly missed.

My grandma was the most warm hearted soul to walk this planet. Every summer I spent with her I was loved tremendously and I wouldn't trade my childhood with her for anything in this world. You will be missed, Mamaw.

Shirley was truly a special person who loved the Lord and her children with all her heart. My deepest sympathies to all of you, sending all my love and strength during this difficult time.   Pam Cantrell

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cantrell family today. Aunt Shirley will surely be missed.

OBITUARY

Shirley Jean Cantrell

January 21, 1937 – July 31, 2025

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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