Obituaries

Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name”.

Life’s mysteries surround us, and too often cause us to become bewildered. We can only succeed in unraveling this mystery by leaning on the never-failing arms of God. We dare not ask him why but simply trust and follow.

Shirley Ann (Wallace) Bumphus was born April 24, 1939 to loving parents Emmanuel and Goldie Cates-Wallace in Person County, North Carolina. She was the 5th child of 10 children. Shirley’s parents were faithful to God’s call and had her baptized July 5, 1939, early in life giving her life to Christ. She worshipped with her family at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in N. C. One of her greatest joys was singing in the choir. Her voice could lift your heart, and you could feel the spirit when she sang.

In high school Shirley met Franklin (Frank) Delarro Bumphus. The two dated and married February 20, 1960. To this 58 year union were born three children, Sylvia, Angela and Franklin Jr.

In 1966, Frank and Shirley moved their family to Detroit, MI pursuing better life opportunities. Shirley still seeking to know and honor God tried various churches, but none truly made her feel welcomed until she was invited to visit Wayside Missionary Baptist Church by a lifelong friend. Here her heart felt complete and she happily became a member January 13, 1978; Embracing roles in the choir, mistress of ceremony, delegate or any position she felt she could commit to and serve.

Shirley believed in helping others. Finding jobs to help some, providing clothes and food to others, mentoring or being the quiet voice of reason for those who just needed a friend. She loved to laugh at a good joke or to spend hours doing word search and jigsaw puzzles, relaxing at Belle Isle by the water and sitting on her front porch greeting neighbors and friends.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Franklin (Frank) Delarro Bumphus Sr., her parents, Emmanuel Sr. and Goldie Cates-Wallace, her brothers and sisters: Mabel (Frank) Torain, Edward Wallace, Andrew Wallace, Emmanuel Wallace Jr., Sammy David Wallace, and Annie Mae (Jack) Edwards. Brothers-in-law Cornelius Bumphus, George Bumphus (Cora), Enoch Bumphus (Lilly Mae), Dave Bumphus, Cleveland Bumphus, Sisters-in-law Mary Bumpass-Velez (Pedro Sr.), Esther Lyons, Louise Harris-Jones (Cliff), Florence Bumphus, Florine Bumphus Thorpe (James), and Mamie Bumphus Richardson (Willie), and Son-in-law Aaron Passmore Jr.

Shirley is survived by her 3 children Sylvia Bumphus-Passmore, Angela Bumphus and Franklin Bumphus Jr.; 6 Grandchildren Christina Davis (Dorian Sr.), Jennifer Benton, Ryan Passmore, Deanna Bumphus, Maia Bumphus and Chelsi Bumphus; 8 Great grandchildren Dorian Jr, Bradley, Talia, Logan, Carter and Julian Davis, Butler and Savannah Benton; 1 Goddaughter. Her Sisters Eugenia Walton (James), Winnie Bumphus, Goldie Wallace, and Sisters-in-law Eugenia Wallace, JoAnn Wallace and Virginia Wallace. Shirley was blessed to have a host of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.