Shirley Brown

Shirley Ann Brown, nee Shirley Joseph, was born on Christmas Day in 1942. Eighty-three years later, on July 21, 2026, our family lost its matriarch. She slipped away from us without warning; the flame of her once vibrant life flickered one final time and she was gone. 

Shirley has left behind a legacy woven from selflessness, generosity, and unwavering grace. She devoted her life to her husband, nurturing her seven children, instilling in them the values by which she lived - faith, compassion, kindness and a quiet strength that uplifted everyone around her. She was also a doting grandmother to ten grandchildren, and two great‐grandchildren. 

Shirley’s ministry was simple yet profound, she helped those who had less, even during times when her own family did not have enough. Her heart was filled with the milk of human kindness and was open to all. Her home was a place where anyone in need found comfort, dignity, love, and a listening ear. Her presence was a gift, her smile a reassurance, and her faith a guiding light. We are heartbroken with grief beyond measure but are comforted by the knowledge that we shall meet again in the sweet by and by. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 

God be with you till we meet again - dear mother.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Sydney Brown and her children Roy, Sherry, Carol, Debbie, Denise, Osafo and Francis. 

A visitation for Shirley will be held on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Galante Funeral Home located at 2800 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ. For those unable to attend, a Zoom livestream will be available and can be accessed beginning on Tuesday at 2:00pm, by entering Meeting ID: 997 533 3817 and Password: 2800. She will then be brought to Guyana, where future services to honor her will take place.

Services and Interment details in Guyana will be announced later.