Shirley Ann Gresham

Shirley Ann Gresham was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 30, 1944 to the late Georgia Mae Mitchell and Madison Brown. Shirley went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 in Austin, Texas. She was 68 years old.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son Steven and her daughter Betty. She is survived by many family members including Grandson Reggie Gresham, Great Grandson Cameron, and Step Daughter Trisha.

Shirley grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she married and had two beautiful children, Betty and Steven. Shirley later moved to the East Coast and then to California. She eventually made her way to Austin where she lived for the last 40 years.

While in Austin, she attended Austin Community College, the University of Texas, St. Edwards University and finally Huston Tillotson College. Shirley graduated from Huston Tillotson College with a bachelors in sociology. Throughout her career, she worked at the Austin State School, Easter Seals and most recently at Caritas of Austin, an organization devoted to fighting homelessness.

Shirley also worked as a private caregiver to children and adults with special needs. She has always committed her time to helping anyone in less fortunate. Even in retirement, she volunteered at the neighborhood Senior Center and was deeply loved by her family, friends, co-workers and those in her care.

Shirley loved animals, especially cats, and in addition to her human family she leaves behind her beloved cat Callie.

Shirley leaves a loving family to always remember and cherish her memories: The Love of her life, Nadine Matthaei; Step Daughter, Trisha Matthaei; Grandson Reggie Gresham, Pittsburgh, PA; Brothers David Jones, Jr. (Betty), St. Louis, MO; Dwight Joe (Tanya), Cincinnati, OH; Sisters Ethel Jackson (Steve), Long Beach, CA; Theresa Joe Lockett, Cincinnati, OH; Marquieta Wise (Michael), Cincinnati, OH; Special Niece, China Judd, New York, NY.