Shirley Givens

SHIRLEY JEAN (SMITH) GIVENS was born February 10, 1939 to the late Rev. Thornton and Clytee Smith.  Shirley confessed her life in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Zion M.B. Baptist Church, East Chicago, Indiana.  Shirley departed this life into an everlasting life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Saint Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, Indiana.  She was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James C. Wade, Jr. where she served as his personal nurse.  Shirley later moved her membership to New Tabernacle M.B. Church, Gary, Indiana under the leadership of her nephew, Rev. Chet J. Johnson, Sr. 

Shirley attended East Chicago Roosevelt High School, and retired from Inland Steel Company, East Chicago, Indiana.  Shirley was the Matriarch of the Smith family and she had the gift of hospitality; always ready to open her home to family, friends, and those in her community.  She enjoyed taking care of others and her greatest joy was taking care of her parents during their illness.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen More; daughter and son-in-law, Tyra and Timothy Pearson; parents, Rev. Thornton Sr. and Clytee Smith; brother, Thornton Smith, Jr; sister, Ruby L. Johnson; grandmother, Viola Winters; grandsons, Kenny A.B. Hall and Steven Samuels II; and son-in-law, Curtis Brown.  She leaves to cherish her memory five daughters, Cyd C. Brown and Kathi Hunter of East Chicago, IN, Wendy (Steve) Samuels, Merrillville, IN, Tammy Hall, San Bernardino, CA, and Glenda (Roger) Townsend; two sons, Craig Edwards, Sr. and Dwayne (Regina) Givens; grandchildren, Mila Williams, Kenny Ray Hall, Michelle Smith, Deborah Smith, Davita Hunter, Timothy Pearson Sr., Marshawn Caroll, Edwin Underwood, Tyrae Pearson, Atina Hall, David Lee Hunter II, Rosalind Townsend, Tyron Pearson, Craig Edwards Jr., Elijah Samuels, Iiesha Townsend, Stephanie Samuels, Damoni Edwards, Damia Edwards, Dezi Edwards. Tia Ray, Tionna Ray, and Taylor Edwards; special friends, Nettie Hicks and Trilby Harmon, East Chicago, IN; 41 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

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