Shirley Lewis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Lewis, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Shirley passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 72 years old. Born on January 7, 1954, in the warm embrace of St. Petersburg, Florida, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Burdell and Minnie Lockheart. Her early years were shaped by the vibrant community of her hometown, where she grew up with a spirit full of kindness and compassion. Shirley attended Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida, where she graduated with honors, setting the stage for a life dedicated to caring for others. For 17 years, Shirley devoted herself to the profession of nursing, working at Palm Shore Retirement Center. Her gentle touch and unwavering dedication brought comfort and dignity to countless lives. Known for her nurturing spirit, Shirley treated every patient and colleague as family, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. Shirley was a devoted member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where she found joy in worship and community service. Her faith was her guiding light, and she served her church family with the same love and devotion she gave her own family. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Daniel Lewis, and her father, Burdell Strickland. Shirley’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of her surviving family: her devoted sons, Michael McDonald and Glen McDonald, her beloved daughter, Keldra Gatson, and her treasured sister, Valeria Strickland-Mitchell. She was a proud grandmother to Kesharia, Emari, Oronde, Rontae, and Rondez, and a doting great-grandmother to ten beautiful great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. Shirley’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and unwavering faith. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit. Her family, friends, and church community will miss her dearly but find solace in the lasting impact of her life well-lived. A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held on May 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2183 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33712. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor her memory and share in the love she so freely gave. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Shirley’s memory, to continue her legacy of compassion and service. Shirley Lewis’s life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of family. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who knew her. As we say goodbye, we hold tightly to the memories and the love she shared so freely, carrying them with us always.