Shirley Ann Thompson, affectionately called “Pee Wee” by family and friends, was born September 5, 1955, in Batavia, New York, to Deacon James and Cora Thompson. Shirley completed her education through the Rochester City School District, attending School Number 36 and graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School. Extracurricular activities during high school included playing softball, which allowed her to demonstrate her speed, agility and coordination.
Reared in a God-fearing home, it was no surprise that Shirley accepted Christ into her life at an early age. This life-long relationship with the Lord began at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Albion, New York, where she was a faithful and dedicated member. Upon relocating to Rochester, New York, she united with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of three pastors: the late Reverend Willie Frank Cotton, the late Reverend Joseph Carter, and until her passing, under the current pastorate of Reverend James L. Cherry Jr. Throughout her 60 plus years of service at Antioch, Shirley allowed God to use her talents in several ministries: the Jr. Usher Board, Junior Choir, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor’s Aide, Senior Usher Board, and the Nurses Ministry, always serving in the spirit of excellence, until her health began to fail. Shirley’s 60 plus years of exemplary service earned her special recognition from the Great Lakes Association and the Antioch M.B. Church Special Recognition for Nurses Ministry.
Shirley had many employment opportunities during her lifetime. Among the most memorable were Eastman Kodak Company and Monroe Community Hospital where she displayed an exemplary work ethic and history, until she was physically unable to continue. Many of her most treasured times were those spent at Elder Care where she enjoyed laughing, cracking jokes, and talking with other individuals. Shirley will be remembered for her down-to-earth personality and for “keeping it real,” a unique individual. She was also a loving, caring person, when you got to know her. She never found it necessary to be phony or “put on airs”; also comfortable being who she was. In her past time, Shirley enjoyed watching television, playing Spades, fishing and listening to music. If you knew Shirley, you would certainly remember her special response, “Yep, and stuff!”
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Shirley answered God’s invitation to come home.
She is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Newton; parents, Deacon James and Cora Thompson; brother-in-law, Kevin Anderson Sr.; uncles and aunts: George (Julia) Thompson, Jesse (Alice) Thompson, Ernest (Minnie) Barrington, Adolpus (Doris) Fudge, and Mattie Redden.
She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love, faith, and service: her siblings: Barbara A. Anderson, Theresa, Pastor Emerita (Bishop John) Crocker, Elijah Thompson, and Brenda Thompson; nephews and nieces: Khalid (Naimah) Anderson, Bishop E. John E. (Janielle) Crocker, Kevin (Sheawanda) Anderson, David (Ebony) Anderson, and Jeffrey Anderson; aunt, Margret Brantley of Tampa, FL; along with a multitude of wonderful nephews and nieces whom she loved in her own special way; several beautiful cousins; church family, and dear friends, including a special friend, Sister Thelma Ross.
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