Letter of April 10th, 2000

This weekend, I and other Shirley family members had an opportunity to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration of the oldest matriarch of our family, Daisy Shirley Reddix. Daisy was honored for her longevity and for her contributions as the first lady of Jackson State University and the Jackson, Mississippi community.

It began early Friday with a resolution being read in her honor at the Mississippi Senate. A family barbecue was held in a state park with all in attendance.   On Saturday, Jackson State University honored her with a magnificent program. Roger Whifield and Ms. Betty Shirley of The Shirley Association spoke and presented Daisy with a pin of the Shirley Coat of Arms.

The family attended Church together at the Farris Baptist Church in Jackson and was recognized by the congregation. Finally a community reception was held in a mansion in old Jackson, where Daisy was presented with gifts from the Shirley Family in the presence of friends, family and admirers. In attendance were family members from Canada, Cuba, Jamaica, Florida, California, Georgia, Ohio and Illinois. It was momentous celebration and reunion for the Shirley clan.

Jeff Douglas

=========================================================================

More photos from the celebration 

 

The Fo family from Canada