Shirley Barbara Mackins

Shirley Barbara Mackins of McDonough, Georgia transitioned to her heavenly home on June 13, 2020 at the age of 94. The daughter of Charles, Sr., and Jessie Holman, she was born on January 23, 1926 in Jackson, Michigan.

Shirley graduated from Jackson High School and attended North Carolina Central University where she majored in Nutrition and Dietetics. She was taught by American historian, John Hope Franklin, Ph.D. Shirley was also a member of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

In 1941, Shirley met Edward Mackins, Sr. when she was 15 years old. They married in 1946 when he came back from the Philippines while serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. This union was blessed with two children: Edward Jr. and Deborah.

She was involved in several organizations such as the League of Women Voters, The Child Study Club, and the Parent Teacher Association. Shirley met and spoke with leaders such as Malcolm Little (Malcom X), Eleanor Roosevelt, Whitney Young, Jr., and Governor George W. Romney. Over the years, she cherished her churches, Oak Ridge First Baptist Church (Oak Ridge, North Carolina) and Second Missionary Baptist Church (Jackson, Michigan).

Shirley was a scholar and was forward-thinking beyond her generation. Her quick wit and gentle spirit had a way of connecting with people. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was her priority. She ensured her children knew of their history and the importance of education.

Along with her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband and son. She is survived by her loving daughter, Deborah Mackins, of McDonough, GA; grandchildren; Ayanna Mackins (Madison, Saadiq, Ifeoma, and Ileana), Alia Mackins and Jamil Pickens, sister; Constance Curtis, brother Ernest Holman, special nieces; Marguerite Mendenhall, Shirley Harris and Karen Green, treasured friends; Sheila Braxton, Marchel Phillips, Jacqueline Jessup and Thelma Harris, and a host of relatives and friends.

Shirley’s smile, unique sense of humor and gracious spirit will be forever missed.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, a private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers in honor of Shirley Holman Mackins’ memory, donations can be made to North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707, or to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.