Shirley Jo Carter Cates  passed away on July 16, 2021 at her home in Miami Gardens, Florida, after a long, protracted illness.  She was 82 years old.  Shirley was a fighter until the very end.  In spite of her health challenges, Shirley persisted when others may not have.  Through her, we better understand resilience and perseverance.  

Shirley grew up in Tennessee and Kentucky, but moved to Florida in her early 20s to make a life and raise a family.  She retired from Miami Dade College, North Campus in 2006 after many years of helping students meet their financial aid needs.  Personally, Shirley loved many things including theatre arts, traveling, the color purple, food,  mentoring/serving others, and, above all, her family.  She is survived by three siblings, Carolyn, Vickers and Kevin; her sons, Harold and Dwight; her daughter, Melanie; her former daughter-in-law, Gladys; six grandchildren, including Elena, Gaby, Quinton, Cameron, Brittany and Ricardo; one great-granddaughter, Zahra; and  "framily" members  including Geniflore, Linda Jo and Kathy.

The family will have a private gathering to honor her memory in Miami on July 25, 2021, and a celebration of life with extended family in Tennessee on August 15, 2021.  Her family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made through Ever Loved to support the theatre arts program at Miami-Dade College, North Campus.  

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