Shirley Lee Black

June 17, 1950 - August 26, 2020

Shirley Lee (Williams) Black died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, on August 26, 2020 at the age of 70. Shirley was born on June 17, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, to Vern LeRoy and Azilee Alberta (Moler) Williams. She married Jimmy Ray Black on August 30, 1968. Shirley had a passion for helping people and it showed immensely after she became a nurse, a passion she followed for over 45 years. While living in Bakersfield, she was employed at Mercy Southwest and Kern Medical Center. She loved her job and was heartbroken when she had to retire due to medical reasons. Her passion for helping others followed her after death as she was able to get her last request granted; her lungs were donated to research. Shirley loved being surrounded by her family. It made her very happy when everyone was able to come together. She loved to crochet and make Barbie clothes. Her and Jim were season ticket holders for the Bakersfield Condors and rarely missed a game. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Black, of 51 years - August 30, 2020, would have been their 52nd anniversary - her parents, and Sister, Verna Clanton, of WaKeeney, KS. She is survived by sons James (Rachel) Black of Colorado; Michael (Staci) Black of Florida; daughter Melissa Elliott of Bakersfield, CA.; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00pm at Mission Family Mortuary, 531 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304. A family graveside service will follow on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at 9:15am at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.