Shirley Evelyn Jones' Obituary
January 3, 1947 to April 28, 2020. Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.
Shirley Evelyn Jones, 73 died unexpectedly on Tuesday,April 28, 2020 at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. It was a very shocking event that took the life of a very vibrant, giving, lovable, strong woman that loved God, family and friends. She was so loved by everyone that came into her life.
She was born Shirley Evelyn Nowlin and was known by her good friends as "Bonnie". Shirley was born on January 3, 1947 in Washington D. She was the 4th of six children through the union of Josephine Washington and George Nowlin : however she also had three other older siblings which in total were a family of nine children.
She grew up in Barry Farms and there she met the Jackson ladies (Shirley, Jackie, Debra, and Diana) that took her as their sister for life. Their closeness and bond she treasured during the years. Some of them shared her joys of the casino, football pool, going to Vegas or traveling to see her favorite team, he "Washington Redskins" play at other venues. Although they haven't won a game in a while and many refer to them as the dead skins, you bet not say anything about them because she was a true Redskins fan.
Shirley attended DC Public School and later went on to work for NALC,in which she retired after 32 years of service, then worked at JcPenneys for 7 years and continued to work taking care of at least 8 beautiful kids that ranged from infant t toddler. She loved kids and they loved her back that some of them referred to her as "Mom" or "GG". She cared for at least 3 children with her side kick brother Charles until her death (Taylor (2), ZaKaree (1)and Moriah (1). She could not wait until the youngest ones were walking as they were a delight to see every day.
Shirley was a member of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church and was baptized there. Shirley loved God. It was her family's home church, which some of them still attend. She was in the YAF church choir back in the day. This love of singing could be heard when she called you on your birthday every year. You almost expected to pick up the phone and hear her sing the Happy Birthday song with the elongated sound of YOUUU! at the end. She never forgot anyone's birthdate. She had a sharp memory. Her belief in God was her driving force in getting things done even in the hardest times. She believed all things come through Christ Jesus and she gave him all the glory for all her life accomplishments were not done without him. Even in the end she trusted him that he would hold her hand and guide her through salvation.
Shirley bore two children Sheryl Rush (July 28, 1966) and Antoine Thomas (November 28, 1977). She loved being a single woman and was a great Mother that made motherhood look easy. She never complained and adored her children. Her favorite saying was "Don't mess with my kids or my money" She meant that too because she would threaten to fight you. Her status
changed on June, 1994 when she wedded Henry Jones, Jr., 15 years her junior. As you could see she was a pistol, took care of herself never looked at herself as old. :you are old as you feel", she would say.
Shirley loved watching her stories daily and game shows, and you could not call her during those time which she shared with some of her girldfriends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her siblings: Walter Harris, Edward Miles,Roland Miles, Joyce Ann Crawford (Nowlin), James Nowlin, Patricia Nowlin and Tammy Nowlin.
She leaves behind a husband, Henry Jones, Jr., her daughter Sheryl Rush (her life partner, Lloyd Carter) son, Antoine Thomas (Wende Latten-Thomas), one brother Charles T. Nowlin,Sr.,three grandsons, Davon Rush (Carine), Corey Rush, and DionteThomas; Three granddaughters Erica Nowlin (Dwight Turner) Daja Laten and MoriahJones (Jeffrey and Colleen Jones; one great-grandaughter, Azyla Rush, one grat-grandson, ZaKaree Turner,and a host of family and friends that truly will miss her.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?

