Shirley peacefully slipped into the arms of God on January 1, 2025 with her daughter Alicia and her cherished friend whom she considered as a son, Errol Brown by her side.  Shirley was born on January 19, 1950 to the late Theodore and Florence Pratt Johnson in Fredericksburg, VA. Shirley attended Ralph Bunche School and later attended and graduated from King George High School in 1968.  She was employed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, VA for 38 years, where she retired from on September 28, 2011.  She was married at a young age to Sterling Bumbrey and divorced after 27 years. From this union the two were blessed with two daughters Regina and Alicia. Shirley accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Union Bethel Baptist Church in King George, VA. She later joined Little Ark Baptist Church, King George VA and served as an usher for over 25 years, was a member of the Pastor’s Aid ministry, and volunteered with the culinary and the nursery ministries. In 2019 she joined Christ Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor Todd Mullins. There she was a member of the SISTERHOOD and Missions Ministry. She continued to be a beacon of light and fellowshipped with area churches in the St. Lucie County, Florida. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women and she actively participated in projects dealing with the Mt. Bethel Association.

She found great joy in spending time with family and friends. Her love and passion for family extended to all who also referred to as “Grandma or Aunt Shirley.” She loved all of them as if they were her own. Shirley always loved the attention, especially her Lake Forest neighbor’s kids of five years. She enjoyed spending time putting her large jigsaw puzzles together, playing BINGO, and listening to her music. Shirley’s love for music consisted of a variety of music from Gospel, R&B, Southern, and Country. Music was her source of comfort and joy. “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton was played daily for someone who didn’t even like whiskey. She not only gave a lot of love but she received a lot of love in return. To know her was to love her. All of us will cherish the beautiful smile and memories shared with her forever. She also enjoyed traveling to places like Dubai, Sandbridge,VA, Williamsburg,VA and cruising to many of the Caribbean islands. Her fondness for sweets included coconut cake, jelly beans and her favorite drink was a Pepsi.

Preceding her in death were her parents Theodore and Florence Johnson, her siblings: Odell Parr, Theodore Johnson, Purcell Johnson, Naomi Grimes, Bernard Johnson, Herbert Johnson, Irving Johnson, and Leon Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter; Regina and son-in-law Dennis Banks, Alberta, Canada; a devoted daughter and caregiver; Alicia Bumbrey, Port St. Lucie, FL., a special son in love Errol Brown of West Palm Beach, FL. Three grandchildren: Deja Banks, Denise Banks, and Dennis Banks Jr., Alberta, Canada. Two Godchildren Elaine Ward (George), Lorton ,VA and Marcus Pollard, Washington, DC., two sisters-in-law, Frances Holliman and Liza Parr, King George, VA, former husband and devoted friend Sterling Bumbrey of King George, VA.

The remains will lie in state Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4-7pm. The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. at Storke Funeral Home, King George Chapel.  A funeral will take place at 11 a.m. at Little Ark Baptist Church in King George, VA followed by burial at the church cemetery.