Shirley Mae Neese

Shirley Mae Neese, affectionately known as "Shirl la Pearl", 74, of Toledo, Ohio, gained her wings peacefully on May 28, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 16, 1947, in Lynch, Kentucky, to the late Fred and Adelle (Robinson) Dula.

Shirley graduated from Thomas A. DeVilbiss High school in 1965, and continued her education, receiving an Associate's degree at Stautzenberger College. She had worked at Sears Department store in the catalog department and Sears, Roebuck and Co. as a inventory clerk and previously worked at St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Center as a unit clerk, where she retired in 1998. Shirley was full of life; she loved her church, Tabernacle of Praise, where she would volunteer. Shirley would also volunteer at the local schools when there would be special events taking place. She was such an inspiration to younger kids. She loved listening to gospel music and old Motown. Shirley enjoyed traveling, especially down south, baking pound cake and strawberry pie, talking with friends and old coworkers, going to bingo, taking pictures, and shopping. She would take her grandkids out of school so they could spend the day together shopping and going to garage sales. In the earlier years, she would take her kids every Saturday to go pick strawberries; they would end up making strawberry pie. Moments like that will be cherished forever. Shirley loved life and was known for cracking jokes, her smile, and her laughter. Family was everything, especially her grandkids. She loved attending their school events and bragging about all of their great accomplishments. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Stephen (Zelda) Neese; daughters, Kimberly A. Neese and Francesca Thompson, both of Toledo, Ohio; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her life-time best friend, William Neese and a host of special family and friends.

Family and friends may gather at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 West Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio 43623, on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Family hour will be Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 10:00 am with services following at 11:00 am, at Kingdom Vision Ministries, 1611 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43609, with Pastor Richard Isaiah and Pastor Jewell Jones officiating. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.