10/22/1940 – 8/12/2017
Shirley M. Crossley was the youngest and eighth child born to the late Payton and Haydee Crossley on October 22,1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. She departed from her life assignment to reunite with her husband and first love, LG Harrison, on August 12, 2017.
As a child, Shirley became a member of Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church. She attended Webster and Howard Kennedy Schools. She went on to complete her studies at Technical High School where she graduated in 1958. Dedication and hard work came at an early age for Shirley. At the age of 10, she began distributing papers for the Omaha Star under the guidance of Owner/Editor Mildred Brown and later Dr. Marguerita L. Washington. She would work there for over 50 years, receiving an Employee Service Award in 2008. In 1972, she attended Althouse Beauty School where she obtained her license in cosmetology and went on to work for JC Penney salon and later with friend and mentor, Rose Hollingsworth for more than 40 years. She also worked as a Reading Assistant at Sacred Heart School.
Shirley was united in holy matrimony to the late LG Harrison on July 13, 1962. With their union children were born: Richard, Leslie, Maurice, Catherine, Lisa, Valerie, Dale, Diana, Gayla, Vicente and Carla.
Wife, mother, sister and friend, Shirley was a solid rock, truly exemplifying the character modeled in Proverbs 31:10-31. Not only did she stand side by side with her husband and their 11 children, she was active in her community. In her youth, she played recreational sports. Later, she was a member of a 50s and 60s club and had served for many years on the Lake Bristol Square Neighborhood Association where she along with others worked with the City of Omaha in improving their neighborhood. Further achievements include participating in a bowling league with good friend, Jeanette Moore, under the team name Health and Beauty. In addition to bowling, her favorite past times included watching sports, horse racing and trips to the casino.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, LG Harrison, parents, Payton and Haydee Crossley, grandson, Leslie Harrison and granddaughters, Kyra and Kamara Johnson.
She leaves a treasure chest of love and memories for her children, Richard (Tia) Chicago, Il; Leslie (Leah) Lake Oswego, OR; Maurice (Camille) Omaha, NE; Catherine (Ernest) Banks, Omaha, NE; Lisa (Nathaniel) Jackson, Omaha, NE; Valerie Harrison, McKinney, TX; Dale (Tisha) White Plains, MD; Diana (Ojay) Johnson, Charlotte, NC; Gayla Harrison, Omaha, NE; Vicente (Rachel) Lake Oswego, OR; and Carla (Lance) Griffin, Omaha, NE. She is also survived by brother, Ernest (Gwen) Crossley, sister, Marguerite Davis, 28 grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Visitation Tuesday 5-7 PM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Funeral Service Wednesday (8/23/17) 10:00 AM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Graveside Service Thursday 11:00 AM Omaha National Cemetery Omaha, NE. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donations to LG and Shirley Harrison Academic Educational Scholarship Fund.
