Shirley Virgil Colemon

Shirley (Ann) Virgil Colemon was born on April 26,1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Robert M Virgil Jr. and Alma Liggins Virgil.  She is the fourth child of eight siblings. She entered into eternal rest on December 21,2024.

Shirley was a graduate of Withrow High School where she excelled in Chorus, Track and all things Fashion. High heels and oversized handbags remained the standard.

This led to studying Fashion design at the University of Cincinnati….  “Style and flair was second to her grace and humility” -Dr. Patrice Dickerson

Shirley accepted Christ and became a member of Greater Liberty on April 2, 1946, where she served for over 70 years. "For many years Shirley graced the church with seasonal decorations, enhancing its beauty and inspiring the congregation.

She was a faithful member of the Satisfied Seniors and the Daughters of Heaven Bible class. "She treasured the opportunity to serve with her sister Jean (pianist) as one of the director’s, The Bells of Liberty Gospel Choir. They traveled all over the Tri-State region with the late Rev. Jerome M Lewis, Sr. Shirley was infamous for pumping her arms and a well imitated foot stomp encouraging the choir to “Come On” sing for joy to the Lord.  She had a gift of storytelling through song. It was important to know and honor the lyrics (even if you made them up). She saw music as a tool to introduce (listeners to the Christ she knew well.

Shirley was a Mom: Out of her union with former husband Melvin Colemon Sr came three children: Judy, Rusty, and Jeri. When asked her life’s highlights and accomplishments she said, “My children.”

Little known Mommy facts

-We were raised on Coca- Cola and Husman potato chips.

-She nurtured plants and comforted the sick and shut in. It turned into a Profession later in life.

-She made the best Ham sandwiches and macaroni salad

-She made our costumes for our dance recitals and Halloween

-All little girls wore poofy dresses to church whether they wanted to or not

-Used Vaseline and a wet washcloth for hair edge control.

-The Neighborhood Mom, Auntie, Fierce Protector and Safe place to land.

-She was the parent that worked constantly at the school.

-Shirley provided a home for kids. Hers and everyone else’s. She had a philosophy that there was no need to be in the streets. Invite them all here, we will know where they are and keep them safe.

-A little frame but big voice (a disciplinarian) might throw a house shoe yet with lots of love.

She was employed by the City of Cincinnati, GMAC Mortgage, and was the most proud of working for The IBM Corporation

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Robert III (Bobby), Alice Jean, and Maynard, son in law, Anthony, A hosts of Aunts and Uncles.  She cherished her elders. Shirley used to say she had longevity in her family. Her grandmother lived to be over 100 years old. She was very much a part of a four-generation legacy.

She leaves to cherish her life her children, Judith (Judy), Melvin Rusty (Ann), Jerel (Jeri) sisters, Janet Anderson, Barbara Tipper (Thomas), Delores Norman, Jaqueline Virgil, Cousin/Sister JoAnn Rakestraw; Grandchildren, Jordyn, Jenkins (Xzavyer), Nia Huff (Ivy); Great grandchildren Taj Jenkins and Cali Jenkins.

She had such a love for our family and extended family. Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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