Shirley E. Alexis

Shirley E. Alexis Shirley Alexis graced this Earth with her presence on October 30th, 1952, born of humble beginnings but blessed with a heart of gold. She was born to Illis Alexis and Samuel Boopsingh on the beautiful isle of Grenada in the West Indies. The eldest child of eight, Shirley enjoyed the "island life" growing up happily in Gouyave and attending St. Johns Anglican School where she was recognized as one of the most ambitious and driven students in her class. Always goal-oriented and determined to succeed, Shirley moved to St. Georges at the age of 20 with her newly born son, Shawn Alexis, the center of joy in her life. Focused on providing the best for her son, Shirley pursued her own professional goals in earnest while also fulfilling her role as "Big Sister" to her seven siblings. The very core of Shirley's existence was her beloved son Shawn. In 1991, she set out on a remarkable journey to create opportunities for Shawn, migrating from her homeland of Grenada to the "promise land" of the United States. While here, she quickly established herself as a committed and hardworking caregiver to both children and the elderly. Throughout the challenges and numerous obstacles before her, Shirley never once considered giving up as an option. Her life story is an inspiration for us all, a phenomenal tale about that "Phenomenal Woman" the legendary poet Maya Angelou famously spoke of. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her dedication to Shawn, relentlessly focused on guaranteeing his success as a student, a professional, and a human being. In 1997, Shirley was blessed with her first grandchild Madison Alexis and then her second grandchild Troy Alexis shortly thereafter. Everyone who knew Shirley knew of her deep, enduring love for her grandchildren. It was the great Olympian Wilma Rudolph who once said that we should "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit." That was Shirley Alexis: the power of the dream. Her glowing spirit knew no bounds. She was the embodiment of Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend. And while we will solemnly mark November 1, 2012 as her last day on this Earth after she succumbed to her brief illness, we find great comfort in the fact that she took her last breath surrounded by her loved ones and knowing that her genuine goodness still lives on. Shirley Alexis is survived by her son Shawn Alexis, her Grandchildren Madison and Troy Alexis , her Daughter-in-law Blondell Taylor-Alexis, her Grandson-in-law Asiel Horton, her siblings Marilyn Rahaman, Gloria Francis, Maureen Alexis, Ashley Alexis, Genaline Saunders and Kathyann Saunders-Victor, her Brother-in-laws Boswald Francis, Petrus Victor, Trevor Robison, her Nieces and Nephews Alreen Alexis, Derrick Harriman, Sameem Rahaman, Devry Harriman, Godfrey Harriman, Asiem Francis, Zadiki Francis, Trevon Robison, Ethan Victor, Dr. Sheereen Rahaman, Trisha Harriman, Monifa Francis, Alisha Victor, Janea Robinson, her Great Nieces and Nephews Jeanine Alexis, Jordan Alexis, Sydney Alexis, and many other family members and freinds. May her soul Rest In Peace.