Obituaries
On September 28, 1946, a melody in the form of Shirley Faye McComb entered the world born to the union of the late John Eddie and Mary Trude McComb. Shirley Faye, as she was affectionately called, joined a growing family of 2 girls (Pearline and Matrie) and 5 boys (Paul, Theodis, John Eddie, Jr. and Ausey). Bobby and Patricia later joined this growing family.
Although Shirley experienced family losses early in her life, this did not dampen her spirit. Under the guidance of her Aunt Daisy, Shirley Faye became a young lady with a big imagination and a gift for singing. She often recalled singing as she worked in the cotton fields of Marks, Mississippi. She attended Quitman County Public Schools until the age of 17, it was then that another aunt came in to finish molding Shirley. Her name was Mrs. Majora Applewhite, the sister of Shirley’s father, John Eddie. Aunt Jo, as she was affectionately called by Shirley, and her aunts, Jimmie Sykes and Stace Norris, brought Shirley from Marks to Memphis, Tennessee where Shirley completed her formal education at Manassas High School.
Her Uncle Jab became a father figure and Shirley gained new sibling bonds through their children: Ivy Gene, Marvin, William, Jr., Bessie, Reesie, Robert Edward, Norma Jean and Audrey.
Since Shirley and Audrey were very close in age, they spent a lot of time together. Audrey had begun courting Walter Brooks and he had a friend, John Amos Chatman. Thinking they would make a great couple, Walter introduced John to Shirley at the Harlem House Restaurant in North Memphis, from there, a new melody was written. John and Shirley were joined in holy matrimony on June 1, 1968, at 1594 Oakwood Street by Rev. Curtis Price. Three beautiful daughters were born to this Union: Danette Monique, Audrey Yolanda, and Jauna Alise.
John and Shirley’s marriage was a true partnership, as John began a 28 year career at Memphis Light Gas and Water, Shirley was a loving wife and homemaker. When John was baptized at Chelsea Avenue church of Christ, Shirley followed her husband’s faith and was baptized at Chelsea in 1970. They worked in various ministries such as the Joy Bus Ministry bringing children to church. They also visited the sick and shut in and assisted many elderly members with their basic needs. Shirley entered the professional workforce in 1985 starting as a teacher’s assistant at Cherokee Elementary, later working part-time at retailer K- Mart, and at several childcare centers continuing to work with children.
While being a mother was an honor, Shirley also found pride in becoming a grandmother of six: Camille, Keven, Jason, Alison, Caleb, Carrington and her great grandson, Cayden.
Shirley was truly a woman of many talents. Through her love of the culinary arts, she fed many. Through her love of children, she babysat, taught, and loved many. Through her love of The Gospel, she shared her knowledge of God and what He had done for her.
Shirley went home to be with her Father and Her Savior on March 6, 2025, at 11:45 pm at Fox Bridge Assisted Living Center. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband of 56 years John, her daughters Danette (Mario), Audrey (Jason), and Jauna (Calvin). Her precious grandchildren who were also a source of inspiration: Camille, Keven, Jason, Alison, Caleb, Carrington and her great grandson, Cayden. She also leaves her sisters in law: Annie T. Chatman, Bettie Freeman, Dorothy Russell, and Rose ( Charles) Jackson; her brothers in law: Eddie Chatman, Joe Chatman, Jesse Chatman and Jimmy Chatman. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church members and neighbors will also cherish her memory.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
22
Mar
3880 Coleman Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
Service
22
Mar
3880 Coleman Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
Committal Service
24
Mar
3880 Coleman Avenue
Memphis, TN 38122
Cemetery Details
Location
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
