Ms. Shirley Meeks

Shirley LaVera Meeks, was born on July 31,1970 at Highland Park Memorial Hospital, to the union of LeVan D. Meeks, Sr. and Bobbie J. Meeks. She is the 5th child of LeVan D. Meeks and Bobbie J. Meeks and grew up alongside 7 siblings. She was a shining light of generosity and selflessness in the lives of all who knew her. We remember her favorite sayings like “we tend to our own”, “God is great!, What do you need? I got you.” And she meant that. Her passing on February 22, 2024, in Detroit, MI has left a void in the hearts of her family and dearest friends. Our hearts are broken as we do not say farewell but bye for now knowing that we will see you again. Shirley went to Parker Elementary and Mann Elementary. She went to Drew Middle School where her teachers realized that she was a gifted Mathematician. She graduated in 1988 from Mackenzie High School and went on to attend Wayne State University where she majored in Computer Science. She received her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She was an entrepreneur having her own Network business for many years working with Jireh Financial and other businesses. She was life-long resident of Detroit, MI, but traveled a lot with friends. Her life was full of family, good friends, hobbies like photography, poetry and lyric writing. Shirley’s beautiful and generous spirit touched everyone she met. She always gave cheerfully whether money, time, warming gloves and blankets to the homeless, or a listening ear to help anyone, with wise advice and counsel. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She underwent surgery and a round of chemotherapy. She lost all of her hair but when her eyelashes and brows fell into a bowl of cereal, she just laughed it off and said, did that just happen? Chelle said yes it did and got her another bowl of cereal. Chelle shaved her head in solidarity. She remained cancer free for the next 16 years. The Devil is a liar! Then she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. She continued to work for Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 11 years. They were blessed to have her, and she was so happy to work with the professionals she both managed and worked side by side with. She was a gifted photographer who lived behind the camera taking family or scenic photos. She had a great sense of humor but a directness that was refreshing. She would read and read to teach herself how to do things like running her own electricity. She would always say, you just need the right tools. She took mom’s saying of if anyone else can do it so can we. Because of her Kita picked up a trowel and laid her own bathroom tile. She was known for staying classic sharp and wearing the hippest sweetest eye wear. From driving her Grand Am, Blazer, and favorite red Honda Accord, to her current grey Honda---she was a trend setter. Even in that it never went to her head. She remained humble and would always say God blessed me to be a blessing. And my Lord she was! After more than 10 yearlong battle with Multiple Sclerosis, she succumbed to it on February 22, 2024, at the age of 53. In 2022, Kevin Williams, her baby brother preceded her in death. Shirley is survived by her devoted parents LeVan D. Meeks Sr. and Bobbie J. Meeks; her step mother Brenda Meeks, her adoring siblings: Mr. & Mrs. LeVan D. Meeks, Jr, Wanda Meeks, Markita Meeks, Kimberly Kendrick, Mr. and Mrs. Damon Smith, Lachelle Meeks. She was so proud of her nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Gaddis, Mark L. Meeks, Mical Meeks, Ajai Meeks, Dr. Ariel Walker, Lorelle Meeks, Demi Smith, Aiden Meeks, Ramoni Meeks, Sidney Smith, Caleb Williams, Kevin Williams, Jr, Keanna Williams, Kevion Williams, Michael Douglass (more like her son). She loved a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins: Bonnie Owens, Melissa Meeks, Yolita Arrington, Anita Copeland, Lomita Arrington, Annie Stevenson, Marcus Meeks, Calvin Meeks Jr, Uncle Melvin Meeks, Uncle Calvin Meeks, Uncle Kevin Nesbit, Uncle Tyronza Nesbit, Eugene Meeks, Debbie Wade (another mom). Dear friends: Anthony Jackson and family, Natalie Henderson, adored and lifelong family friends Sharon Boyd, Elizabeth Bursey, Dawn Woodson. To anyone not mentioned please charge it to our heads and not our hearts at this difficult time. Shirley loved deep and hard. She always would say do you need anything. I’m here if you need anything. She made this world a better place in so many ways like mentoring Yolita, LaChelle, Eugene, and Mical to go into the Network or Computer Science field. Inspiring each to have a career not just a job. Always giving cheerfully and generously. We miss her now, but she accepted Jesus as her Lord. She believed he had even when she could no longer walk. She talked with him and was waiting for him to not leave her here trapped in a body that no longer responded to her. He loaned her to us for a short time but on February 22, 2024 he personally came and got her. Beloved we shall see her again.

Ms. Shirley Meeks

July 31, 1970 - February 22, 2024