Shirley White Mabry, born on October 27, 1942 to Rhodena and
Thomas White, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024,
surrounded by her loving family. She was the fourth of nine children,
reared by her beloved Aunt Ethel McGehee, and was a shining light
in the lives of all who knew her.

Shirley's educational journey began at Burgher Elementary School,
from where she graduated as the Salutatorian of her 8th-grade class.
She continued her academic excellence at West Side High School,
where she was a spirited Cheerleader, Majorette, and stood out in
English and Shorthand during the Literary Rally. Shirley also
represented her school at Girl State and held the title of Miss West
Side High School. She furthered her education at Grambling State
University, where her dedication earned her recognition in ;Who's
Who Among Colleges and Universities. As a proud member of Zeta
Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and a Phi Beta Sigma Sweetheart, she
graduated with honors and obtained a master's degree along with
an additional 30 hours from Southeastern Louisiana University.

On June 11, 1966, Shirley, loving known as "Shell", married John Melvin
Mabry, and together they were blessed with three beautiful children:
Dr. Dwan Mabry, Yolando Anderson (Darryl, Sr.), and Katrina Mabry
Smith (Douglas, Jr). Their union was a testament to love,
commitment, and faith, as they journeyed together in service to their
church and community.

A lifelong member of Bickham Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Shirley's
faith defined her life. She was a dedicated Usher, Intermediate Choir
member, Class Leader, and Assistant Sunday School Teacher before
accompanying her husband on his ministry journey. At Pleasant
Valley A.M.E. Zion Church in Mississippi, she contributed significantly
as a First Lady, Choir Member, and Sunday School Teacher, before
serving for 17.5 years at Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church, where in
addition to serving as First Lady, she also served in various capacities,
including Intermediate Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and
Local President of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary
Society. In her dedication to the church, she held numerous
leadership roles, including the President of the Home Mission's Board on the

Louisiana Conference Level and was consecrated as a Deaconess after her husband's retirement.

Professionally, Shirley made significant contributions to education,
beginning her teaching career at James Derham Junior High School
in New Orleans and transitioning to O.W. Dillon High School during
integration. She then dedicated 19 years teaching English at
Kentwood High School before serving as a Guidance Counselor for 11
years, culminating in her retirement after 32 years of service.

Shirley had a profound love for music and scripture; her favorite
songs, "Take Me to The King" and "God Is My Everything," echoed her
trust in the Lord. She found solace in verses such as Psalms 4:8,
which spoke to her steadfast faith, and Psalms 91:10-11, reassuring her
of divine protection.

She has been reunited with the love of her life and husband of 47
years, Rev. John Melvin Mabry, and with loved ones who have gone
on before her. She was preceded in death by her mother and father,
Thomas and Rhodena White, her sisters, Allean Rogers (Frank),
Mildred Landry, Margaret Lee, Robert White, Hazel White, and Mary
Lee White.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Dr. Dwan Mabry,
Yolando Anderson (Darryl, Sr.), and Katrina Mabry-Smith (Douglas,
Jr.), and a son-in-law, Kevin Hill; a cherished aunt, Dorothy Johnson, a
loving sister, JoAnn Torrence (Pete, II), a cherished brother, Thomas
White, Jr., beloved sisters-in-law, Mary Mabry-Holmes, Patricia Mabry,
Lynn Mabry, Olivia Mabry, and Lillie White; and devoted brothers-in-
law, Pete Torrence, Riley Lee, Willie Earl Mabry, Lawrence Fields, and
Eddie James Mabry (Karen). Shirley's legacy lives on through her
treasured grandchildren: Darryl Jr. "DeeJay" Anderson, Karlton Hill,
Malik Nguyen, Shelby Smith, Kara Anderson, Chandler Hill, Sydney
Smith, Madelyn Smith, and Madison Smith. A unique and close bond
was also shared with a loving niece/daughter, Jacqueline White and
cousin, James "Lil Bro" Miller. She also loved and cherished her
godchildren, Debra Miller and Kamaria Mabry-Smith.

Her earthly life would not have been complete without the unending support and

friendships of her beloved Deaconess Board members at Bickham
A.M.E. Zion Church.

Shirley White Mabry touched countless lives with her kindness, faith,
and unwavering spirit. She is now resting in the arms of her Savior,
forever remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she
enriched. In the words of her favorite scriptures, she is at peace, for
her heart rests safely in the arms of God.