Shirley Ann Blakeney was born on March 24, 1940 to Butler S. Blakeney and Hazeline Morrison Blakeney. She was raised in the First Ward community in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended school in the Mecklenburg School System and graduated from Second Ward High School with honors. From there, Ms. Blakeney attended Talladega College and North Carolina College at Durham(now known as North Carolina Central University), graduating with a Master's degree in Science. During her post-secondary education, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She started her work, career with the federal government in their Chemistry Department. Ultimately, she retired as a senior member at OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) as a Health and Human Services Investigation Agent in Boston, Massachusetts.

As a child, Ms. Blakeney attended the family church, First Presbyterian Church. When she retired and returned to Charlotte, she joined Greater Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Church under the pastorage of Elder T.W. Samuels. She later moved her membership to New Beginnings Fellowship Church and then Chappell Memorial Baptist Church under Elder Keith Shuler and Rev. Norman Kerry, Jr., respectively. Though declining health confined her to her home, she faithfully attended Sunday School, Bible Study and Sunday Worship virtually for the last two years at First Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. Kevin Griffin.

Ms. Blakeney is preceded in death by her parents, Butler S. Blakeney and Hazeline M. Blakeney; sister, Lucille Blakeney Sizer; brothers, Eugene L. Blakeney and Butler S. Blakeney Jr.; nieces, Cynthia Sizer Jackson and Sheila Sizer Rucker; and nephew, Rodney Blakeney.

She leaves behind her son, William Butler Boulware (from a previous marriage); nephews, Wyche Sizer III (Geraldine), Montez Sizer (Veronica), and Reginald Rucker (Vernette); nieces, Angela Hunter, Tanya Blakeney and Ramelle Blakeney; and other relatives and close friends. She also leaves behind a special friend who was like a son, Dr. Craig A. Bell. A special thanks to her healthcare provider, Patricia, who did a great job providing Ms. Shirley with meaningful comfort during her last days.

Ms. Shirley will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.