Shirley Jean Covington Birch was called home to the Lord to rest in peace on May 15, 2012. Born on December 5, 1937 to the late Arelius Covington and Thelma S. Williams, she was a member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church where she served as President of the Nurses Board for a number of years and was presently a member of the Mother's Board. She was also a member of the Missionary Group and a member of Skyland Park Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arelius Covington and Thelma S. Williams; brother, Howard Covington, Sr.; and her sister, Katherine Wilson.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, William Birch, Sr.; daughters, Sylvia Birch Conner and Cecily Birch Cundiff (Rick); one son, William Birch, Jr. (Lynise); five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, May 19, 2012 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend James E. Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the ICU and Palliative Care Units at Forsyth Medical Center.