Shirley Slade

Shirley Slade departed this life October 17, 2021. Family will receive friends Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until time of service at 7:00 p.m. at White's Funeral and Cremation Services. Interment Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Green Lawn Cemetery. Service will be livestreamed.

Shirley Joe Ann Ida Brooks Slade was born July 2nd, 1934 to Charles B Brooks and Catherine E. Brooks in the city of Columbus. She was the fourth of seven children.

She was united in marriage to Fredrick M. Slade on October 28th, 1951.  There were two children born of this marriage plus one foster child.  Frederick M. Slade Jr., Benjamin T. Slade, and June D. Moore.

Shirley Attended East High School and later became employed by OSU Hospital as a Patient Care Assistant.  After leaving OSU Shirley became a care giver for many “Tiny Tots” who lovingly called her “Aunt Shirley”.  She was known as a disciplinarian yet a loving and caring motivator to her “Tots.”

Shirley was a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and served Bethel A.M.E. Church for over a50 years.  Shirley’s commitment to children and youth continued as a  very dedicated and creative Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher and Allen Christian Endeavor League Teacher. All of her students looked forward to the Extra Special Treats after meeting Mrs. Slade’s class requirements. Additionally she served as President of the Stewardess Board, Vice Chair of the Trustee Board, member of the Usher Board and a very vocal soprano of all church choirs.

Shirley Slade’s commitment to humanity continued as she joined several bodies of the

 Prince Hall Masonic Family, including: Grace Chapter 100 Past Matron; Alla Baba Court #75 Past Commandress; Capital Valley Assembly #36; Rollin F. Kelly Sr Court #4; Heroines of Jericho; Taylor Guild #6 HOTC. Mrs. Slade for many years served as the statewide coordinator for the United Negro College Fund Walk, merging the Masonic family with fundraising for Black college bound students.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, life partner and special friend Freddie, her son Benjamin, granddaughter Jamin K. Slade, daughter June, sisters Catherine J. Cooper, Mary E. White and Vivian E. Allen; brothers Bobby C. Brooks and Benjamin L. Brooks.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, son Frederick M. (Willie) Slade Jr, brother Howard  (Catherine) Brooks, daughter in law Jo Ann Slade, Daughter in Christ, Joyce “Cookie” Bracy Vaughan of Arkansas and very special friend  Jacqueline Jones Sullivan; grandsons Roderick F. (Tenisha) Wade, Yusuf (Pete) Abdoulafuww and Jabari C. Slade; granddaughters, Dermetrier Moore and Nneke Slade; great grandson Quentin, Kennedy, Iriye, Imani’Rai; great granddaughters Briann and Andrea; many nephews and nieces; other relatives and close friends.                      

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

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