Shirley was born November 2, 1937, in Noxubee County, MS. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a graduate of Ellison Ridge High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She worked for many years in medical records at Noxubee Geneal Hospital. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cedell Adam Alexaner, Sr.; her parents, Georgia Ann Innabnit and William Hiram McArthur, Sr.; her sisters, Rubye Richards, Sara McKay, Mozelle Holton, and four brothers, Pete Waterloo, W. H. McArthur, Earl McArthur, and Lawrence McArthur, and a grandson, Cedell Alexaneder, III.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Ted) Wray of Louisville, her son, Cedell (Julie) Alexander, Jr. of Durham, NC; four grandchildren, Shanna (Patrick) Stinehour, Micah (Alyx) Alexander, Leslie (Steve) Holley, and Sara (Brian) Knox; and nine great grandchildren, Adam Alexander, Evan Alexander, Jacob Alexander, Aaron Stinehour, Gracie Stinehour, Johnny Holley, Layla Holley, Lila Knox, and Georgia Knox.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and her excellent caregivers who she loved and loved her: Glenda Sweet Edwards, Brittany Dempsey, Laketta Sterling, and Linda Warren.