Shirley Banton Black

Shirley Black was born July 19, 1964 to Shirley Banton and the late Willie Lee Davis at Community Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Shirley was educated in the Philadelphia School system and graduated from high school.  She accepted employment with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance company, where she worked as a medical coder for more than eighteen years.  

At the age of fourteen, Shirley gave her life to the Lord.  She attended The Deliverance Evangelistic Church under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Smith until his passing, and then joined Triumphant Faith International Worship Center where she loved her church family and served as an usher.

Shirley met and married Roman Black, was a devoted and loving wife to him for 27 years.  This union was blessed with two children: Marcus and Brittany.  Shirley’s family meant everything to her, and she made every sacrifice to ensure they lived happy lives.   

In her spare time, Shirley used her talent of hair braiding to earn extra money.  She was an excellent braider - her fingers would move like a sewing machine. She also loved going to her brother William's home to shop whenever he and his wife were redecorating, and as he would say, “she shopped like she was at Wal-Mart.” On Saturday mornings she could often be found shopping at consignment shops with her sister and “BFF” Sheila, who would later become one of her caregivers.  She enjoyed a good meal and liked dining at various restaurants.  

Shirley was an exceptionally independent, determined, helpful, and compassionate person. She was always very vocal, and never had a problem expressing how she felt. She loved and adored her mother who she was very protective over and nicknamed her “Mamacita.” Shirley did her best to spend as much time as she could with her mother and loved taking her out for car rides, eating and shopping.  She prided herself on being a realist, and never sought to be anyone other than who she was.   

In 2018 Shirley was diagnosed with a terminal illness.  Her faith in the Lord never wavered; knowing that He would be with her through all circumstances. Her focus and faith in God was a testimony to all who witnessed the strength, courage and grace she displayed while going through her illness. She would always say “whatever God’s will is, it is well with me.” Shirley was never depressed and she did not want anyone else to walk around sad or depressed. She continued to live her life to the fullest until she was no longer able.

As a very family-oriented woman, Shirley spent every birthday, holiday and family gathering surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. She was a wonderful sister who had a special and unique relationship with each of her siblings. She would often stop by their homes just to say hello. She was able to relate to her nieces and nephews no matter what age. They all knew they could count on Aunt Shirley, and they all loved and adored her.  

Shirley fought hard until she grew tired, so after a courageous battle she went home to be with the Lord on August 23, 2021 at the age of 57. At the time of her passing she was surrounded by all who loved her.  She will be sadly and greatly missed by her husband: Kevin Roman Black; children, Marcus and Brittany; mother, Shirley Banton; siblings, Sharon Hilliard (Reggie), William Banton (Enid), Nadine Banton, Sheila Saunders (Robert, dec’d), Marcella Marshall; half-sister, Patricia Corbin (David); aunts Betty Bond and Sandra Carter; brothers in the spirit:  Tony Griffin, James Taylor, Pastor Tony Pritchette, and Ron Taylor; two special sons, Madison and Keith; childhood friend, Renee Hoskins-Burke and a host of  nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Shirley is preceded in death by her sister Barbara, half-sister: Betty, half-brother: Ronald.

Submitted With Love,

The Family    

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