Shirley Josephine Cross was born August 19, 1935 to the union if Joseph and Bessie Cross. She was the oldest of three children. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie; father, Joseph, Sr. and stepmother, Rosie L. Cross; three brothers, Joseph, Jr., Donnie, Mallory (Jerome) Cross and two sisters, Bethola Maryweather and Kim Cross-Thomas.

Shirley was educated in the East St. Louis and Lovejoy School Districts. She later attended nursing school where she received her license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She was employed at Touchette Regional Hospital formally Centreville Hospital for a short period of time. Her love for health care lead her to open a nursing facility in the Metro East area, in the building that housed Mildred Louise Business College.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church in Centreville, IL. under the leadership of Pastor Joe Wilson. She later joined and attended Truelight Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Henry Nicholson.

Shirley married the love of her life, Mr. Robert Burris known as Robert BQ Radio announcer at KATZ, who also preceded her in death. After his passing she dabbled in producing musical entertainers, such as artists Shirley Brown, Gene Chandler and the Matadors. Shirley never met a stranger she always placed herself in a position to meet people of business who could help her develop business opportunities until her health began to fail. Shirley was a resident at the Barnard Care Center in St. Louis, MO until her transition on February 14, 2017.

She leaves to cherish her memory two loving sisters, Lametria Cross-Ramsey, Patricia Cross-Hicks, two nephews, Jerrod Cross and Cedric "CJ" Hicks and a host of many cousins and relatives and friends.