Shirley Addison, originally named Shellie Ruth Hart, was born on Wednesday, February 3, 1937 in Midland City, Alabama to the late Willie Hart of Dale County, Alabama and Shellie Bryant Hart, of Georgia.

Shirley began her education as a child in Dothan, Alabama, and continued her high school studies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

One Friday evening in Newark, New Jersey, in 1964, Shirley met her future husband, Edward Addison. A simple conversation blossomed into a beautiful life and marriage of 54 years. Shirley and Edward moved from Newark, New Jersey to Winston Salem, North Carolina in August of 1971.

On September 11, 2026, Mrs. Shirley Addison transitioned into the fullness of life. Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Mr. Edward Addison; her sister, Willene Hart; her children, Melissa Addison Giles, Lynette Addison, Sherry Addison, and Kim King; her grandchildren, SeQuoya Addison, Harry Giles, III, Jaeden Allen, Kharysma Lewis, Marquase Lucas, Isaiah King Lucas, and AchazYah King Lucas; two great-grandchildren, Maverick Powell and Lia Giles; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shirley was welcomed into eternal glory by her mother and father, Shellie and Willie Hart; her siblings, Pecola Brooks, Eloise Brookins, Jasper Butler, Verns Butler, John Lee Mitchell, and Lenon Butler; her stepson, Michael Carmen; her grandson, Keith Downey; and her cherished dog, Zoë.

There will be no public viewing at the funeral home on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 12:30pm on Monday at the Chapel.