Shirley Alma Callender, age 89, was born on May 7, 1936, in New York, New York, to the late Viola Weekes and Herbert Weekes, Sr. She was the eighth of ten children and the youngest daughter in her family. Shirley was raised on 114th Street in Harlem, New York, where she was christened and brought up in the Episcopal faith.

Shirley received her education through the New York City Public School System. She later became the proud mother of her firstborn son, Charles F. Caines, Jr. She eventually met her soulmate, Michael A. Callender, Sr., and the two were united in holy matrimony on June 23, 1962, in Manhattan, New York. Through this union, Shirley became a loving bonus mother to Claudette Ann Rise, and together Michael and Shirley welcomed two children: Michael A. Callender, Jr. and Terri L. Davidson.

In the 1970s, Shirley began a fulfilling career in retail management. She worked at Alexander’s Department Store, later Jameltown, and ultimately retired from JCPenney in White Plains, New York. Shirley truly loved her work and cherished the relationships she built with her colleagues and how she helped so many young teenagers get their first jobs and start careers. After many years of dedicated service, she retired in 2000.

Michael and Shirley shared a lifelong dream of homeownership. In 1993, they purchased their first home in the Bronx, New York, and in 2007, their second home in Wappingers Falls, New York. In 2019, Shirley moved in with her daughter Terri, son-in-law Willie Davidson, and their family, where she was lovingly cared for.

During her later years, Shirley faced several health challenges with remarkable strength and grace. She bravely overcame Multiple Myeloma, survived COVID-19 three times, and was diagnosed with Dementia in 2021. Despite these challenges, Shirley continued to find joy in church services and events, traveling, and spending quality time with her family. She was known for her generous spirit, caring heart, and deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored endlessly. Shirley lived a full, rich, and beautiful life.

In her earlier years, Shirley was very active and enjoyed dancing, cooking, sewing, and participating in PTA activities. She was also involved with the East Side House Settlement. In 1988, Shirley was born again and embraced the Pentecostal faith, and in 2006, she was appointed to the sacred office of Mother of the Church, at Elohim Worship Center now known as Birthing Womb Worldwide Ministries, a role she carried with honor, wisdom, and love.

On the morning of January 16, 2026, at 4:17 a.m., Shirley peacefully answered God’s call and was welcomed into her eternal home. She was surrounded by love and family at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Viola and Herbert Weekes; her beloved husband, Michael A. Callender, Sr.; her son, Charles F. Caines, Jr.; her great-grandsons Jeremiah Jackson-Pratt and Jayden Jackson; three brothers; and six sisters; nieces and nephews.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her devoted son Michael A. Callender, Jr. and daughter-in-law Sylvan Callender; her loving daughter Terri L. Davidson and her son-in law Willie Davidson; her grandchildren Charles Caines III, Sean Caines, Toshinna Callender, Shane Smith Caines, Davinia Starkey, Davante Johnson, Matai Callender, and Briana Callender; 4 Bonus grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; her goddaughter Dorisa Walker; her godson Keith Paul; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom were richly blessed to have known and loved her.

Shirley Alma Callender will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their calls, texts, cards, prayers, and presence during this time.

Humbly submitted by the Family.

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