Shirley Ann Cousins

Shirley Ann Cook Cousins was born March 25, 1939 to her parents Hosea and Laura Cook, Sr. in East Chicago, IN. She was the last of four children born to this union. Affectionately known as Cookie, Red and Big Butter Bean Suzy, Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and later, after graduating from E.C. Washington High School in 1957and attending college, Shirley was employed at Inland Steel, U.S. Postal Service, E.C. Washington and finally retired from American Steel Foundry, just like her Daddy. Shirley was a lover of love. She met and later married her high schoolsweetheart, David A. Martin, Sr and from their union, two children were born, David, Jr. and Michelle. She later married John Lomax, Jr. and from their union, Lori, was born. Lastly, Shirley married Alvia Cousins. She was a longtime member of the NAACP and other civic auxiliariesand received numerous awards and acknowledgments. Shirley was active in her church, Coppin A.M.E. Church in Chicago, IL, and served faithfully as a church mother until her illness permitted her from attending.She enjoyed bingo, traveling, thrifting, and community service. Shirley loved providing for and helping her fellow seniors, from food bank deliveries, providing companionship and anything else that was needed. She was there for them.Shirley was actively involved in East Chicago politics before moving to Indianapolis, IN.

She will be missed by all who loved her!

Shirley Ann Cook Cousins passed away September 12, 2021at her home in East Chicago, IN. She was 82.

She is preceded in death by her parents Hosea and Laura Cook; three brothers, Hosea, Jr., J. Willie and Edward Cook; nephews Edwin and Michael Cook; grandchildren Toni Williams DeBose and Michael David Harris.

Shirley’s memories will forever be cherished by her children David Martin, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Michelle (Darrell) Ford, Sr. of Indianapolis, IN and Lori Lomax Jackson; stepchildren Arnita and Ernest Cousins; grandchildren Duane Martin, Jonathan (Tina) Martin, David III (Carrie) Martin.  Janet Lewis, Courtney (Troy) Spates, Lauren (Alfred) Jackson, Sierra (Robert) Northern, Jamaaal (Summer) Jackson, JoVetta (Josiah, Sr.) Fair, Tiana Jackson, Cuba Jackson, Tamica Jackson and Jasmine Jackson; 16 great-grandchildren Ophelia, Alessa, KaVaugh, DeShawn, Holland, Ariyah, Aarion, Leilani, Taajae, Noelle, Troy, Jr., Marleigh, Malin, Mekhi, Santana and Josiah, Jr.; seven nieces and nephews Darwyn, Sr. (Pamela) Cook, Hosetta Cook, Anthony Cook, Jon (Mary) Cook, Tara Cook, Tawana Purnell and Jon Willie Cook; special friends Elenor Magee, Claudine Cartwright Jones and Sally Matson and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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