Celebrating the Life of Shirley Jean Slack
Shirley Jean Slack was born on May 5, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph C. Slack and Beatrice Tharpe-Slack. From the very beginning, Shirley possessed a beautiful spirit that would leave a lasting impression on the lives of so many. She was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend. Her strength, resilience, loving heart, and radiant spirit were just a few of the many qualities that made her so special.
Shirley spent her childhood in Wilmot, Arkansas, surrounded by family and the values that would remain close to her heart throughout her life. She later made her home in Santa Rosa, California, where she raised her children and built a life rooted in love, faith, family, and purpose. Although Shirley never married, her life was overflowing with love. She poured that love into her children, family, and friends, creating a beautiful legacy that will continue for generations.
One of Shirley’s greatest joys was being a grandmother. She adored her three grandsons, whom she lovingly called “Nana’s boys.” She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. When they were young, Nana taught them how to cook, took them to church and family reunions, spoiled them whenever she could, and proudly bragged about them every chance she got. Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her first great-granddaughter and great-grandson, whom she was overjoyed to welcome into the family.
Shirley also had a love for travel and enjoyed experiencing the world with her beloved friends. She created wonderful memories cruising to destinations such as Alaska and traveling internationally to places including Belize. Those adventures reflected Shirley’s love for life, friendship, laughter, and making memories with the people she cared about.
Shirley was also a hardworking and determined woman. After a remarkable 33-year career with Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies, she continued to challenge herself by returning to school. Through an accelerated program at Empire College in Santa Rosa, California, she earned her Administrative Assistant Certification. She later worked as a night auditor at The Sandman Hotel.
Family was always at the center of Shirley’s heart. She devoted much of her time to traveling back to Arkansas to care for her beloved mother during her illness, while also taking those opportunities to reconnect with family and longtime friends. In her later years, Shirley’s loving and selfless spirit shone through in the unwavering care, devotion, and advocacy she gave to her only son, Jeremy Butler. She remained faithfully by his side, offering him her strength, comfort, and unconditional love until her passing.
Shirley was a woman of great faith with a beautiful soul and a generous heart. Her smile could brighten the room, her warmth made others feel loved, and her positive spirit was unforgettable. To know Shirley was to experience her strength, her love, and the special light she carried within her.
On August 30, 2026, Shirley Jean Slack departed this life, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, family, and strength. Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Joseph C. Slack; her mother, Beatrice Tharpe-Slack; and her brother, Harry Cole.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Jeremy Butler (Wendy); her daughter, Shericka Slack; her grandsons, Rashad Butler (Shaira), Cyrus Butler, and Shemar Robins; her great-granddaughter, Carmella Butler; her great-grandson, Malcolm Butler; her sisters, Mary Smith (Gene) and Mable Price; her brother, Leonard Slack; a special aunt, Pearline Tharpe, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Shirley’s earthly journey may have come to an end, but the love she planted in each of us will continue to grow. We will carry her with us in the stories we tell, the traditions we continue, the lessons she taught us, and the love we share with one another.
Her life was a blessing.
Her love was a gift.
Her memories are our treasures.
And she will forever live in our hearts.
