Obituary

Shirley Sellers

September 4, 1936 - September 13, 2023

Shirley Sellers, born on September 4, 1936, was the first child born to Hezkiah Smith and Willie Mae Walker. Later she would be joined by a brother, Harold Smith. She departed this life on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Shirley was a very active member of New Hope Baptist Church, where Rev. Garrett was Pastor, and she was church secretary at Gaines Cheppel Baptist Church, both located in Franklinton, La. She loved to read her Bible and honor God by treating people right. 

Shirley attended Washington Parish High School. She was united in marriage to Harold Bullock, of McComb Mississippi and later to James Sellers.

As a young woman she loved to party with her friend and to dance. She enjoyed going to the casino with her daughter Jackie and her friends. She was a very hardworking woman who often walked from “on the hill to the bottom” of town to get to her work, whether in the café or the school lunchroom. However, very soon, the focus of her joy came from loving and caring for her children, Frances, Cheryl, Lisa, and Jackie. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. They could put a smile on her face like no one else could.

When visiting Ms. Shirley, you could join her for a game of checkers, conversation and reminiscing, and be inspired by her wisdom and concern for others. 

Preceding her in death her mother, Willie Mae Fortenberry Walker; father, Hezekiah Smith; brother, Harold Smith; 2 favorite aunts, Josephine Brock and Elmer Fortenberry; a favorite uncle, Raford Burris. 

Memories of Ms. Shirley will live on in the lives of those who dearly love her: daughters, Frances Wright (Cedric), Cheryl John, Felicia Bullock, Jacqueline Daniels; grandchildren, Cherish Hall (Larry), Demetrius Bullock, Olajawon Bullock (Nichole), Bryon Stevens (Myzz), India John, Iyanna Daniels; great grandchildren, Xavier Hewitt, Whitney Harry, Ryan Harry, Zenin Hall, Brayden Hall, August Stevens, Chandler Bullock; great great grandson Sebastian Sims; A favorite cousin, James Brock; and a host of family and friends. She will be greatly missed. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 3:00PM - 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00AM at Greater Starlight Baptist Church in Covington with Rev. Mallary Callahan II - Pastor Officiating. Interment - Sweet Home Church Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.