Tributes

*Shirley Vivian Rawls was born in Semora, North Carolina, on November 5, 1992, to the late Willie James Bolton and Edna Dixon. All of which are waiting to greet her in transition - oldest sister Shirley had five siblings; brothers James Bolton and Edward Bolton, and sisters Ailene Bolton Cunningham, Dorothy Bolton Rodgers, and Irma Mae Bolton. *Growing up on a tobacco farm as the oldest, she learned early to cook and care for others. These things she learned to love to do, and it would serve her well in life; along with a strong work ethic. After a life on the farm and becoming pregnant in a failed relationship with Walter Floyd McGhee, she decided to move to New York City. The stay in New York would be short-lived, though. After giving birth to her only son, the late Copus DeParis Bolton, she moved to Pittsburgh, PA with her sister, Irma Bolton. *Shirley went on to meet Wilbert M. Rawls, and they were married on June 12th, 1965. They settled and made a home in West Mifflin until the time of his death on May 2, 1995. In 1969, she began her career as a home care nurse, a natural calling for her given her background and upbringing. Shirley also became a member of Clark Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as a nurse and on the Usher Board. She loved to live her life in the service of others. Cooking and playing hostess to family and friends was something she would do throughout her life. *One of her greatest passions, Shirley was a 66 year member of The Fraternal Order of Eastern Star. In her tenure in the organization she would serve in all of the Lady Houses - *Worth Matron - Omega Grand Chapter & Queen Esther Chapter 1 - Order of Eastern Star *Royal Matron - Dora Court #1 - Order of Amaranth *Most Ancient Matron - Queen of the South 33 - Heroines at Jericho *Chief Counselor - Mt. Olive Counsel - Lady of Knights *Grand Worthy Matron - Delilah Court #9 - Daughter of Sphinx *After a journey well-traveled and a job well done, Shirley sadly passed away at the blessed age of 98, on September 12, 2021. She is survived by her grandson, Carlos D. Bolton; niece Gayle Rodgers; nephew Roderick Bolton; great-nephews Brandon Bolton and Michael Bolton; great-nieces Tamera Bolton and Christina Hughes; along with a host of great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.

Tributes

Shirley V. Rawls

November 5, 1922 - September 12, 2021