Shirley Chisholm

  Obituary for Shirley C. Chisholm Shirley Louise Carter Chisholm, 76, of Charlotte, NC got her wings on Friday morning, April 26, 2019following a brief illness. She died at home. Shirley was the fifth child born to the late Dennis Carter, Sr.and the late Bessie A. Carter on July 26, 1942.She was reared in the fear and admonition of the Lord and was converted at an early age, and attendedEbenezer A.M. E. Zion Church in Camden, SC. She later joined Gethsemane Baptist Church in Charlotteand after that attended New Life Fellowship Center. In later years, when health conditions confined herto the home, she enjoyed the worship services at “Bedside Baptist” – getting the word from her favoriteworld-renowned television evangelists. Though she was unable to attend church devoutly, she richlybelieved in the Lord Jesus Christ, her Savior.She was educated in the Kershaw County school system and graduated from Jackson High School in1959.Shirley left home at the tender age of 16 after completing her education to make a new life for herself inCharlotte, NC. After briefly living with relatives, it wasn’t long after she met and fell in love with atalented young man, John T. Chisholm. They were wed on August 10, 1960 in York, S.C. To their unionof 57 ½ years was born four children: 3 sons and 1 daughter: Darryl, Deborah, Jeff, and Erik. Herhusband preceded her in death in January 2018. She was an incredible mother and grandmother, auntieand friend to many.Shirley was employed several places, but her longest tenure of 20 plus years was with the FederalReserve Bank in Charlotte, NC. She worked in check processing as a lead clerk. She enjoyed workingthere immensely, and it was there she garnered some of her most cherished friendships. She workedthere until she retired in 2003.Shirley had many favorite past-times during her lifetime including taking road trips and playing Bingowith her favorite cousin, the late Dorothy Anthony. In her retirement years she learned how to playonline computer games of various sorts such as Solitaire, Monopoly and word puzzles. She also enjoyedlistening to Country music which she said she grew up on, and watching Country music videos. She alsoenjoyed listening to other genres of music such as R and B, and gospel, especially the stylings of Dr.Rance Allen. She delighted in watching her favorite television programs. Surprisingly, she was an avidfan of various sports such as football (having gained much of her knowledge of the sport from her oldestgrandson); basketball, golf; and tennis. Her favorite athletes being the Carolina Panthers; the GoldenState Warriors, Tiger Woods and Serena Williams.Shirley had a quick wit (a Carter family trait she inherited); a radiant smile and an even more infectiouslaughter. People loved being around her, because she loved people. She was giving to a fault. Thoughshe didn’t go beyond high school in pursuing her education, she was naturally smart, determined, andan organizer; a planner and a teacher. She was a story-teller and a comic. She brightened any room sheentered with her joyful spirit. Shirley mostly took pleasure in being surrounded by her doting children and grandchildren andparticipating in family gatherings.Preceding her in death were her three brothers: Ernest L Carter of Bridgeport, CT; Macey Carter ofCharlotte, NC, and Dennis Carter, Jr. of Camden, SC: and her oldest sister, Rebecca Jackson of Westville,SC.She leaves to forever cherish her fond memory, 3 sons: Elder Darryl B. Chisholm (Dr. Elaine Asbury);Jeffrey D. Chisholm; Erik D. Chisholm (LaShonda) all of Charlotte, NC; 1 daughter, Dr. Deborah A.Chisholm of Charlotte, NC; 1 sister: Johnnie Mae Richardson, of Camden, SC; 6 grandchildren: Ashley L.Lowe of Portsmouth, VA; Travion M. Chisholm; Kierra Desmore; Deondre White, Kimora K. Chisholm;and Jurnee D. Chisholm all of Charlotte, NC; a great-grandson: Dallas Desmore; 2 brother-in-laws:Robert L. Chisholm and Robert Ross (Alberta) of Charlotte, NC; 4 sister-in-laws: Shirley H. Chisholm;Christine Chisholm Carelock (Luther); Judy Chisholm all of Charlotte, NC; and Annie Carter of Menifee,CA; 1 great Aunt, Louise Anthony of Camden, SC; a very special niece, Bessie H. Gaither of Camden, SC; 2bonus daughters; Jacqueline Hinton and Danita Coleman of Charlotte, NC; several especially endearedfriends: Ruth Jackson; Aramita Rhyne; and Margaret Clark all of Charlotte, NC; a host of beloved niecesand nephews and other relatives and friends.