Hermine "Shirley" Somme returned to her heavenly home on November 24, 2018 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her devotion to her family, her friends, and her firm belief in God supported her in her battle and ultimately gave her peace. Although she had this disease, her spirit was able to be seen through her words, her smile, her physical appearance, and most of all her dance moves. She was truly amazing as she had the uncanny ability to remember her hair and nail appointments which was such an important part of who she truly was.

Shirley was born on September 16, 1935 in Charleston, SC to her parents, William Brown and Alma L. Polite. Shirley was the youngest of four children from this union in which her sisters Eleanor, Louise, and Thelma preceded her in death. She also had two brothers, James and Jerry and a sister Gloria that also preceded her in death. Shirley was co-parented by William and Alma which provided her the opportunity to live in Winston-Salem, and Harlem, New York. She often boasted about her block 128th Street where she developed meaningful relationships including that of her lifelong soul mate VanRyne who preceded her in death. Shirley and Van were childhood sweetheart whose friendship began at the age of 9. From this loving marriage of 53 years Shirley and Van had four children that they raised with love, patience, and humility. Anthony (Diana), LaVerne, VanRyne 3rd(Alejandro) and Charrisse (Marlon).

Shirley was a loving wife, mother, relative, friend, and role model. She demonstrated love and mentorship to many in her own special way. She attended both Atkin's High School and Wadley High School where she received her High School Diploma. Shirley graduated from the Queensboro Community College with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. The Somme family made their home in New York where VanRyne worked at New City Transit Authority and Shirley worked at The New York City Telephone Company. She retired at the age of 58 and moved to Winston Salem where many days were spent eating breakfast at K&W, playing cards and engaging in competitive games of Scrabble. She dedicated her remaining time to providing a home for her family, cooking lavish meals, caring for her grandchild, as well as being a friend to some and a mother figure to many of her children's friends.

Shirley was blessed with a large and loving family. She was very creative with her hands and illustrated this through her cooking, sewing, painting, and floral arrangement skills. She was kind and motherly, and always had time to take one of her famous quotes from her toolbox in an effort to share wisdom. Remember Shirley as the lady with style and grace that had the ability to make you feel good and put a smile on your face. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her loving husband and the creator.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Grace Presbyterian Church.  The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Saturday at the Church.  Interment will be held at 11:00am Monday, December 10, 2018 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.