

Born on October 7, 1933, in Miami, Shirley was the beloved daughter of John and Mabel Bledsoe. She was a proud graduate of Miami Edison Senior High School and went on to attend the University of Miami, where she earned her Bachelor of Education degree Summa Cum Laude in 1955. A lifelong educator, Shirley dedicated more than 40 years of service to Gratigny Elementary School, where she touched countless young lives with her patience, kindness, and passion for teaching.
On July 24, 1957, Shirley married the love of her life, Sam Morton, in North Miami, Florida. Together, they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family. Shirley later continued her education, earning a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Florida International University.
Shirley was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Sam Morton.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Barbara (Mark) Richardson and Cynthia (Micheal) Weiss; her sister, Mary Ostlund; her brother, John (Richard) Bledsoe, and his wife, Jacqueline; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith, David Richardson, Stephan Richardson, Rebekah Chord, Charles Wilkie, William Weiss, and Andrew Weiss; and her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Logan, Hayden, and Addison Smith, as well as Noelle, Reese, Roddy, and Conor Richardson.
Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family, and her lifelong dedication to education. Her legacy of kindness, integrity, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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