Mrs. Shirley Marie Boose Smith

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the age of 85, God opened His arms and called home His beloved daughter, Shirley Marie Boose Smith.

Shirley's journey began in the small town of Hickory, MS, on April 12, 1938, where she was born to Rev. Rome and Lucille (Thames) Boose and raised lovingly by her father and stepmother, Elizabeth, upon the death of her mother. Her parents instilled in her a deep faith and an unyielding determination to make the most of her life. She eventually followed her big sisters to Saginaw, MI, where she later graduated from Hamtramck High School in 1958. During these formative years, she met her beloved husband, Willie F. Smith, whom she would marry in October of 1959 and share a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with their three children, Pamela, Fred, and Daryl.

Her incredible work ethic and commitment to excellence marked Shirley's professional life. After 26 years of outstanding service, she retired as Vice-President of NBD Bank Detroit, leaving a lasting impact on all those who had the pleasure of working with her. Her dedication to her work was mirrored in her community involvement, where she served as secretary of the Saginaw Valley District Ushers. Upon moving to Saginaw, she joined the New Mt. Calvary congregation and, later, Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as an usher and the church secretary. Shirley's unwavering faith and commitment to her community inspired all those privileged to know her.

She enjoyed reading and traveling worldwide, embracing new experiences and cultures with an open heart and mind. She was a humble woman of few words but stood behind every word spoken with conviction and integrity. Shirley's selflessness was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always ready to share her blessings with others. If someone needed help or support, they could always count on her. Her life was a living testament to the statement we are blessed to be a blessing.

Shirley is survived by her loving family, including her daughter Pamela Marie Smith and son Daryl Anthony Smith of Saginaw, MI, and Fred W. (Ivana) Smith of Shelby, MI. Her favorite granddaughter, Jessica Marie (Alfred) Patman, Saginaw, Michigan, and four grandsons, Cameron Z. McDonald of Baltimore, MD, Ryan A. Smith of Leauge City, Texas, Travis W. Smith, Denver, Colorado, and Jonathan A. Smith, Saginaw Michigan. Her legacy continues through her five great-grandchildren, Jaliyah Baskin, Karalynn Watkins, Aysiah Patman, and Janai Patman, of Saginaw, MI, and Deryn Smith, of Chicago, IL. Shirley also leaves behind her brother Rev. Charlie Boose and a special sister-in-law, Patsy Boose of Fayetteville, NC. Ten nieces, SharonAnn, Linda, Birdie, Frankie, Mattie, Florene, Ann, Jackie, Daphne, and Cassandra. Five nephews, Charlie, Ronald, Donald, Larry, and Eddie. A host of cousins and special friends, Gerry Draine, Gladys Humes, Pat McCulley, and play great granddaughter, Brooklyn Donald.

Shirley was preceded in death and reunited following family members and friends upon her passing. Her husband, Willie F. Smith, parents, Rev. Rome and Lucille Thames-Boose, three sisters, Melvina, Annie Ruth, and Mary Lee, five nieces and three nephews, and special friends, Lillie Rushing, Mary Scott, and Anne Sullivan.

Shirley Marie Boose Smith, your life was a resounding success, and you will forever be remembered as a beacon of light, love, and inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, loved one. Knowing your life touched so many, your legacy will shine brightly for generations.

The family would like to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, Pastor Murry Culberson, and the Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church Family.