Shirley Ann Moton was called to rest on November 24, 2021. Born on December 23, 1935, Shirley was raised in Springfield, Illinois. She enjoyed life with her parents, George, Sr., and Elizabeth Singleton, her 4 brothers, and 4 sisters. Shirley, a tall, stunning beauty, and classy dresser soon caught the eye of Wilmer “Wil” Moton, Sr., the first Black bonus baseball pitcher (1952) with the renowned Cleveland Indians organization and an Army Veteran who served his country during the Korean War (1953-1955). On January 29, 1960, in Stockton, CA, Shirley married the love of her life, Wil, until his untimely passing on February 4, 2008. The couple enjoyed 48 years together and had a daughter, Dr. Monique Moton, and a son, Wilmer “Wil” Moton, Jr.

Shirley loved spending time with her family. She and Wil encouraged both children the importance of obtaining an education, working hard, and finding a job that you love. She began her career as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in the early 1960’s. Shortly after graduating from San Joaquin Delta Junior College in 1966, she was promoted to a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in 1967. After 31 years of service to St. Joseph’s, Shirley retired in 1995. She loved her “St. Joseph’s family" which included numerous doctors, nurses, other medical personnel, and patients that she cared for over the years. Even today, some of the staff still remember Shirley.

Shirley dedicated her life to church, family, and locals in the community. On May 27, 1973, she was baptized at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Stockton, CA. She always emphasized the importance and power of prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in Christian fellowship/worship. Shirley was a proud member of the Progressive Community Church and enjoyed participating in her meetings with her fellow members when her health permitted.

In addition to fashion, Shirley loved traveling, reading, shopping, and listening to R&B musical legends. She even had the opportunity to see Al Green and Johnny Mathis live in concert. She was also an avid sports fan of the San Francisco Giants, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks!

Shirley is preceded in death by her sister Marilyn V. Singleton (1972), both Mother (1983) and Father (1986), brother Wendell (1993), sister Marjorie (2008), brother George, Jr. (2012), sister Rose (2018), and brother Garland (2020). Shirley is survived by her daughter, Monique, son Wil Jr., one brother, Ronald Singleton, Sr. from Springfield, IL and one sister, Loretta Chandler from Stockton, CA, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Shirley’s beautiful poise, calm demeanor, recognizable voice, and distinctive laugh will be missed by everyone that knew and loved her. Her children thank God for the gift of giving them a wonderful, caring, and supportive Mom and for him extending his arms to welcome her into his heart so that her memory, kindness, and generosity on Earth will be remembered for an eternity.
Family Quiet Hour is Thursday, December 16, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Visitation for friends is from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Colonial Rose Chapel and Cremation, 520 N. Sutter St., Stockton, CA 95202. Flowers and cards can be brought or sent to the Chapel during Visitation. Interment services will take place at 2 p.m. at the Stockton Rural Cemetery, 2350 Cemetery Lane, Stockton, CA 95204.

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