Shirley Ann Alexander-Jones

Shirley Ann Alexander-Jones passed peacefully from this life to everlasting life on November 23, 2020 after a brief illness. Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and began her Christian journey at Bethel Methodist Church in Bluefield, Virginia. She continued her journey after moving to Columbus at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and New Birth Christian Ministries. She is preceded in death by McDuffa and Zenith Lilly, her very loving parents. Vernell Alexander, Jr. and James Jones, spouses, also preceded her in death. Shirley was a vibrant woman, and those she loved knew it. She adored people, whether old, young, or babies. People gravitated to her and were enveloped in her dimpled, smiling face that was always full of humor. Having pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. while at Bluefield State, she continued her service and was a “Delta Dear” with 54 years of service. She was a Co-Chair for Delta Gems, and worked with the Chaplain 2by2 Ministry. As a devoted educator, Shirley utilized her undergraduate degree from Bluefield State College to teach young people home economics. A Master’s from The Ohio State University prepared her for administration within Columbus City Schools for 50 plus years. Never wanting to retire, she took on the responsibilities as Supervisor of Customer Services for CPS and continued to substitute as an administrator until schools closed in 2020. A very gifted cook and seamstress, Shirley utilized her skills to help other people. All you had to do was call and a bowl of chicken or potato salad, a cake or pie would be on your doorstep. She lived one of her favorite songs, “If I Can Help Somebody” in words and deeds. She volunteered her time to tutor at Scottwood Elementary School and delivered food to people in need. While at Pilgrim, she served as Education & Scholarship Chair for young people. Shirley leaves to mourn her passing her beloved daughter Tamara Alexander-Watson (Charles); Torin H. Simpson, Lauryn and Charles Watson, Jr. grandchildren; Esther Watson, mother-in-law; Lilly Sisters Maxine Manns, Patricia Bethel (Wilbur), Bettina Carey; Nephews Russell Manns, Jr. (Krista), Scott Meadows (Kim), Kevin Manns, Cordell Carey (Tandalaya), Carlos Carey; Nieces: Kelli Anderson, Chanel Carey (Keith Jackson), Chavonne Daaja (Chinua); special friend, Ocie Hunt; adoring great nephews and nieces; Brown-Johnson Family, and numerous colleagues and friends. The family of Shirley Alexander-Jones would like to thank the medical staff of Mt. Carmel East Hospital for caring for her so gently during her final days. We would also like to thank Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Birth Christian Ministries, and Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., {Delta G.E.M.S.} (Growing & Empowering Myself Successfully), Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 163304, Columbus, OH 43216 in memory of Shirley Alexander-Jones.