Divas don't die! They take a bow and exit…..

Shirley Mae Mitchell (nee Clark-Harrington) took her final bow on April 7, 2026 at the age of 85. Shirley Mae was born in Winston County, Mississippi on May 5, 1940 to Sara Maddox (nee Clark) and Warren Harrington, Sr. She moved to East Saint Louis, Illinois during her teens where she attended and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School. Shirley was a proud 1958 graduate, and she remained active with the "Class of 58 Club" until illness restricted her participation. Shirley attended State Community College and became a Licensed Practical Nurse and had a 43 year nursing career with Barnes Jewish Hospital. She was in the first group of African American nurses selected to work in the prestigious Queeny Tower. Among her many nursing specialties was orthopedics and she spent many years caring for the St. Louis Cardinals football and baseball players.

Shirley Mae confessed a faith in Christ and was baptized at Brushfork MB Church in Macon, Mississippi. Throughout her life, she attended several area churches, but her heart was always with Rev. Dr. Tonnie Bradford and Friendship MB Church in East Saint Louis, Illinois.

Shirley was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an avid lover of the blues and southern soul. Shirley had a flair for fashion and decorating. She made the best chicken and dressing and sweet potato pie this side of creation. Shirley loved God, her family, her friends, being a Lincoln Tiger, and nursing. SHE LOVED NURSING!!

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her Mama aunt, Mabel Holman; her brother, Warren Harrington, Jr.; sisters, Ruby Beasley, Katherine Whitfield, Letha Smith, Angarea Harrington-Waldrip, and Felicia Harrington-Savior; grandsons, Michael Mitchell and Keison Mitchell; and cat, Whitney.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory children, Michael Mitchell (Diane) and Tiffany Corley (Chaunsey), both of Belleville, Illinois; grandchildren, Michelle, Marcus, and Keyon Mitchell of Belleville, Illinois, Sydney Hardeman of Akron, Ohio, and Skylar Hunter of Chicago, Illinois; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Paulette Thompson (Walter) of Chicago, Illinois and Vera Harrington-McDonald of Louisville, Mississippi; brother, Demester Harrington Sr., of Louisville, Mississippi; special cousin and highway buddy, Alberta Cistrunk; great grandcat, Calloway Charlie Hunter, Esq., and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

We give God thanks for Shirley and the time He saw fit to share her with us.