Shirley Archer John was born on January 23, 1938 to George Archer and Edith Moore (Nicholas) in Port of Spain (Laventille), Trinidad, West Indies. Shirley attended Rose Hill school for her primary education. In her early ages, Shirley grew fond of steel pan music. Her favorite band was Desperados and could be seen and heard enjoying the tunes of the music. After multiple visits to Norbert’s family shop and bakery up on hill at Laventille, she eventually met the love of her life, Norbert (Ling) John (Deceased) and they were joined in holy matrimony on April 8, 1956. God granted in this union eight amazing children – Joseph (Lum), Charmaine, Joanne, Jennifer, Gary (Chin), Avril, Sean, and Debbie.
Shirley moved to Boston, MA back in August 1970. She spent some years on the assembly lines of Gillette Corporation, and after many years of service, Shirley retired from Boston Ly-ing – now referred to as Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a member of The Children of St. Ann’s Spiritual Baptist Church Boston, MA. As an active member, she loved to participate in service, sing hymns, and was an avid participant of the cooking ministry. She was known for showing up with pots of peas and rice and curry goat.
Shirley had a passion for cooking, gardening, hosting events as well as a giving spirit. Some of her well-known cookouts and events are still talked among family members these days. Shirley always made sure family members and close family friends always had a warm bed and a full plate of food to eat and a garden full of fresh flowers blooming on Beethoven. Ask any one of her children; I am sure they can each recount numerous stories of giving up their beds to different guests. Shirley enjoyed lots of fresh flowers and always took pride in maintaining her garden. Her roses and hydrangeas are still alive and blooming through today!
Shirley transitioned to be home with the Lord on December 27, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memories, eight children – Joseph (Lum), Charmaine (Marlon), Joanne, Jennifer (Cornell), Gary (Chin), Avril, Sean and Debbie; siblings – Ainsley, Knolly (Deceased), Lynette, Kenneth, Myvern, Gloria (Deceased), Joan, Keith; grandchildren – Delvonta (Lamont), Corey, Christopher, Marcus, Matthew, Alan, Iyla, Tyler; great-grandchildren: Delvonta, Jr., Arieal, Christina, Kyra, Nia; a host of relatives, extended family and friends.
In compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, a visitation will be held at the Joseph Russo Funeral Home, 814 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, on Friday, January 8th from 6-8pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9th beginning at 9am.
Burial will be at Forest Hills Cemetery.
*** COVID-19 Funeral Home Capacity Restrictions***
Joseph Russo Funeral Home Guidelines when attending a funeral wake/service.
Due to the Current Covid 19 restrictions only 25 guests are allowed in the funeral home at a time.
All visitors must wear a MASK in the funeral home and on the funeral home property.
All visitors will then follow SAFE DISTANCING
All visitors may pause at Casket/Urn and then EXIT the Funeral Home.
All visitors when returning to their cars will please exit the property to allow others to enter.
All visitors will be able to greet family members from a safe distance but not able to touch.
The Joseph Russo Funeral Home appreciates everyone that is helping to support your loved one’s and friends during their most difficult time.