On Friday, November 1, 2024, Shirley Ann Barbour-Strother of Charlottesville, VA departed this life at the grand age of 84.

Shirley was born to Aubrey L. Blakey Sr. and AnnaBell Blakey on July 12, 1940, at UVA Hospital. Shirley was raised in Earlysville, VA and spent most of her adult life living in Charlottesville, VA.

Shirley was preceded in her transition from this life by her father, Aubrey L. Blakey, Sr. in 1986; her mother, AnnaBell Blakey in 1984; husband George Barbour in 1998; husband Benjamin Strother in 2009; brother Aubrey Blakey Jr. in 2017, and brother Charles Lee Bakey, Sr. in 2010.

Shirley, who was known as her family’s matriarch and “Queen” is survived by brothers, George Blakey and Roscoe Gilmore (Selena); sisters, Veronica Chambers and Dawn Pryor; a beloved and special “sister” and friend, Pensacola Barbour, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended and beloved family and friends. While Shirley did not have children, she was the Godmother of 3 young ladies: Gwen Smith, Loretta Waller, and Sydney Sims, and a Godson, Cornelius Blakey.

Shirley, a Licensed Practical Nurse, was employed by UVA Hospital for 22 years, spending the majority of her time assigned to 4 West, the heart unit. Shirley was also a passionate and dedicated AVON and Tupperware consultant with many loyal customers.

Shirley’s true passion was her music! She could be found on any given Sunday playing the organ or piano, and even singing, at numerous churches. She retired from both Mount Sinai and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church as their pianist.

Shirley was a devoted lifelong member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She and her siblings even served as the church custodians in their younger years.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Home.