Dr. Althris Elizabeth Warren Shirdan was born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 13,1929 to

William Henry Warren and Phillipa Morgan. Althris and her sister, Juliaette, and brother, William,

grew up in a tight-knit family living on the same street with of her cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She and her large extended family looked forward to attending church together at Bethany

Seventh-Day Adventist Church and sharing Sabbath dinners afterwards. Althris' world was

shattered when her mother passed away when she was 10 years old and she became a

caregiver and mother figure to her younger siblings. Driven by the desire to find the perfect

home for his children, her father moved the family across the country. They lived first in Tucson,

Arizona, then Los Angeles, California. Summers were often spent between New Smyrna Beach

and Daytona Beach, Florida. They eventually returned to Montgomery where they lived with

their Uncle Arthur and Aunt Maggie ("Nana").

Under their loving care, Althris' lifelong love of reading and learning flourished. Althris

possessed a brilliant mind characterized by a sharp intellect and relentless curiosity about the

world. She starred in many of her high school productions and was on the school debate team.

She graduated at 15 years old from Booker Washington School as an Honor student and Class

President. She attended Alabama State College where she was the Assistant to the Registrar.

Greatest Love

True love stories never have endings

Althris was blessed to share 65 years of marriage with the love of her life, Milton Lemuel

Shirdan. They met in Montgomery, Alabama while Althris was attending Alabama State College

and shortly after Milton left the Marine Corps. The attraction was instant and they soon knew

that they were meant to be together. Milton had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia to attend

school at the prestigious Pioneer Business Institute and soon was on his way to the place that

would become their home, Philadelphia, PA. Once Milton was settled, Althris joined him and

they started their life journey together, raising six children whom they nurtured and adored.

Althris and her husband returned to Montgomery after her retirement and lived in the house

where their love affair began. They also rejoined the church of Althris' youth. They enjoyed

being back in their hometown, but as they aged, they realized that they needed to be closer to

their children and moved back to Philadelphia.

After the loss of the love of her life, her children stepped forward to become her caregivers.

While they could never replace the emptiness left by his absence, they ensured that in the years

that followed, she felt the same love and care she had always given them. She was able to

maintain a high quality of life, staying in her home, enveloped by the warmth of family and love.

The House That Althris and Milton Built

2033 West Spencer Street

Philadelphia became their shared city as Althris and Milton began their life together. After a few

years of searching for the right place to put down roots and raise their children, they found what

they were looking for in West Oak Lane. Their home radiated love, kindness, and compassion--

a place where family gathered and friendships blossomed. The house often overflowed with an

inspiring mix of people: extended family in every bedroom, and in the living and dining rooms, a

vibrant tapestry of creatives, aspiring politicians, intellectuals, church family, neighbors, and

individuals representing diverse ethnicities and cultures. So many felt her warmth and embraced

her as "Mom".

Though their home thrummed with life, the family always found time to gather around the dining

table for dinner, sharing stories and laughter as they recounted the day's events.

Althris was a faithful member of the North Philadelphia SDA Church and every Sabbath was

filled with church, family, and friends. Church socials, basketball games, skating, and trips to

Greenwood Dairy and Cedarbrook Mall were things the family always did together. Evening

vespers, Saturday night hoagies and games were a common occurrence. Althris had a knack

for introducing people to new things, and her Sunday morning ritual was a perfect example.

Curled up with the New York Times and classical music, she'd "dog-ear" or clip articles, thinking

of just the right person to share them with. She practiced this ritual well into her nineties and for

her family it was a ritual of their youth.

Althris loved reading so much that she wanted a permanent library in her bedroom. Much to

Milton's chagrin, it had to be wall to wall and floor to ceiling. He eventually acquiesced and the

library that was filled with books from Albert Camu to Derrick Bell soon became a place where

neighbors and friends could share her love of reading.

Renaissance Woman

Learning Never Exhausts the Mind

After raising six children with Milton, Althris returned to school, earning her undergraduate

degree from Temple University and a Masters and Ph.D. in Social Planning and Research from

Bryn Mawr College, where she delivered the convocation speech on the importance of diversity

and inclusion.

Althris' distinguished career in education included faculty positions at Beaver College (now

Arcadia University) and LaSalle University. She was also recognized as Professor of the Year

while Director of the Undergraduate Social Work/Social Welfare program at St. Joseph's

University. Beyond academia, she served as Affirmative Action Secretary at the American

Friends Service Committee and dedicated years to her community as Executive Director of the

West Oak Lane Community Development Corporation, passionately working to develop and

preserve her neighborhood.

Althris lent her leadership and vision to a variety of boards and commissions, including the

Philadelphia Urban Finance Corporation; the Pennsylvania Governor's Commission on the

Status of Women; the Housing Association of Delaware Valley; and Inglis House. She chaired

the building committee of the North Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church, leading its

rebuilding after a devastating fire. Her dedication extended to traveling to New England to

collaborate on the design of the church's unique stained-glass windows.

A true Renaissance woman, Althris lived authentically, pursuing her passions and was

unwavering in her beliefs. She navigated diverse roles and settings with grace, always

grounded in her core values. A social researcher, mentor, advisor, community leader, wife, and

mother, she shared a life of adventure with her family traveling with her husband and her

daughters, whenever possible.

Althris' travels spanned the globe, from Argentina and Uruguay to Korea, Italy, France, the

Netherlands, Switzerland, and Jamaica, including annual winter getaways to the Bahamas. A

month spent in a Parisian apartment, with views of the Seine and Notre Dame, provided the

perfect setting to write her dissertation. Her commitment to social justice was a flame she

wanted to pass on to her children. To that end, she was able to take her daughter, Lisette, when

she traveled to the United Nations Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial

Discrimination in Geneva, Switzerland.

Legacy

The greatest purpose of life is to live for something that will last longer than you

Althris nurtured her children's appreciation for culture, fashion, and the arts from an early age.

Frequent trips and experiences broadened their horizons and prepared them for the future,

teaching them that the world was vast and full of possibilities.

Each of her children, in their own unique way, became a living testament to her influence. Her

legacy wasn't a singular monument, but a vibrant tapestry woven through their lives. They each

found their own thread, connecting to her life lessons and shared passions, expressing them in

ways that reflected their individual spirits. Her imprint wasn't a stamp, but a gentle shaping,

allowing them to blossom into the individuals they were meant to be, carrying pieces of her

heart within them.

Althris left the blueprint which forms the foundation for her future generations. She was blessed

to see her daughter Lisette's portrait hung in a Philadelphia City Hall Courtroom where she

served as a judge for many years.

In the last two and a half years, Althris was blessed with a particularly precious connection, her

great-grandson, Khari. He and his mother, Jordan, became her constant companions, filling her

weekdays with love and care. Their relationship beautifully mirrored the cycle of life, with the

elder nurturing the child. Each day was an opportunity for Althris to share her passions, gently

guiding Khari as he discovered the world at his own speed. He, in turn, was an eager student,

absorbing her love of music, reading, and the arts, while learning the timeless truth that

kindness and love endure.

Family was Althris' greatest joy, her heart overflowing with love for them. Her unwavering

commitment to family, her dedication to community, and her deep love of God form the enduring

legacy she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children: William (Karen) Shirdan, Milton "Skeet"

Shirdan II, Lisette (Ray) Harris, Babette Shirdan, Andre (Rona) Shirdan; her grandchildren:

Dr. Althris Elizabeth Warren Shirdan was born in Montgomery, Alabama on February 13,1929 to

William Henry Warren and Phillipa Morgan. Althris and her sister, Juliaette, and brother, William,

grew up in a tight-knit family living on the same street with of her cousins, aunts, and uncles.

She and her large extended family looked forward to attending church together at Bethany

Seventh-Day Adventist Church and sharing Sabbath dinners afterwards. Althris' world was

shattered when her mother passed away when she was 10 years old and she became a

caregiver and mother figure to her younger siblings. Driven by the desire to find the perfect

home for his children, her father moved the family across the country. They lived first in Tucson,

Arizona, then Los Angeles, California. Summers were often spent between New Smyrna Beach

and Daytona Beach, Florida. They eventually returned to Montgomery where they lived with

their Uncle Arthur and Aunt Maggie ("Nana").

Under their loving care, Althris' lifelong love of reading and learning flourished. Althris

possessed a brilliant mind characterized by a sharp intellect and relentless curiosity about the

world. She starred in many of her high school productions and was on the school debate team.

She graduated at 15 years old from Booker Washington School as an Honor student and Class

President. She attended Alabama State College where she was the Assistant to the Registrar.

Greatest Love

True love stories never have endings

Althris was blessed to share 65 years of marriage with the love of her life, Milton Lemuel

Shirdan. They met in Montgomery, Alabama while Althris was attending Alabama State College

and shortly after Milton left the Marine Corps. The attraction was instant and they soon knew

that they were meant to be together. Milton had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia to attend

school at the prestigious Pioneer Business Institute and soon was on his way to the place that

would become their home, Philadelphia, PA. Once Milton was settled, Althris joined him and

they started their life journey together, raising six children whom they nurtured and adored.

Althris and her husband returned to Montgomery after her retirement and lived in the house

where their love affair began. They also rejoined the church of Althris' youth. They enjoyed

being back in their hometown, but as they aged, they realized that they needed to be closer to

their children and moved back to Philadelphia.

After the loss of the love of her life, her children stepped forward to become her caregivers.

While they could never replace the emptiness left by his absence, they ensured that in the years

that followed, she felt the same love and care she had always given them. She was able to

maintain a high quality of life, staying in her home, enveloped by the warmth of family and love.

The House That Althris and Milton Built

2033 West Spencer Street

Philadelphia became their shared city as Althris and Milton began their life together. After a few

years of searching for the right place to put down roots and raise their children, they found what

they were looking for in West Oak Lane. Their home radiated love, kindness, and compassion--

a place where family gathered and friendships blossomed. The house often overflowed with an

inspiring mix of people: extended family in every bedroom, and in the living and dining rooms, a

vibrant tapestry of creatives, aspiring politicians, intellectuals, church family, neighbors, and

individuals representing diverse ethnicities and cultures. So many felt her warmth and embraced

her as "Mom".

Though their home thrummed with life, the family always found time to gather around the dining

table for dinner, sharing stories and laughter as they recounted the day's events.

Althris was a faithful member of the North Philadelphia SDA Church and every Sabbath was

filled with church, family, and friends. Church socials, basketball games, skating, and trips to

Greenwood Dairy and Cedarbrook Mall were things the family always did together. Evening

vespers, Saturday night hoagies and games were a common occurrence. Althris had a knack

for introducing people to new things, and her Sunday morning ritual was a perfect example.

Curled up with the New York Times and classical music, she'd "dog-ear" or clip articles, thinking

of just the right person to share them with. She practiced this ritual well into her nineties and for

her family it was a ritual of their youth.

Althris loved reading so much that she wanted a permanent library in her bedroom. Much to

Milton's chagrin, it had to be wall to wall and floor to ceiling. He eventually acquiesced and the

library that was filled with books from Albert Camu to Derrick Bell soon became a place where

neighbors and friends could share her love of reading.

Renaissance Woman

Learning Never Exhausts the Mind

After raising six children with Milton, Althris returned to school, earning her undergraduate

degree from Temple University and a Masters and Ph.D. in Social Planning and Research from

Bryn Mawr College, where she delivered the convocation speech on the importance of diversity

and inclusion.

Althris' distinguished career in education included faculty positions at Beaver College (now

Arcadia University) and LaSalle University. She was also recognized as Professor of the Year

while Director of the Undergraduate Social Work/Social Welfare program at St. Joseph's

University. Beyond academia, she served as Affirmative Action Secretary at the American

Friends Service Committee and dedicated years to her community as Executive Director of the

West Oak Lane Community Development Corporation, passionately working to develop and

preserve her neighborhood.

Althris lent her leadership and vision to a variety of boards and commissions, including the

Philadelphia Urban Finance Corporation; the Pennsylvania Governor's Commission on the

Status of Women; the Housing Association of Delaware Valley; and Inglis House. She chaired

the building committee of the North Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church, leading its

rebuilding after a devastating fire. Her dedication extended to traveling to New England to

collaborate on the design of the church's unique stained-glass windows.

A true Renaissance woman, Althris lived authentically, pursuing her passions and was

unwavering in her beliefs. She navigated diverse roles and settings with grace, always

grounded in her core values. A social researcher, mentor, advisor, community leader, wife, and

mother, she shared a life of adventure with her family traveling with her husband and her

daughters, whenever possible.

Althris' travels spanned the globe, from Argentina and Uruguay to Korea, Italy, France, the

Netherlands, Switzerland, and Jamaica, including annual winter getaways to the Bahamas. A

month spent in a Parisian apartment, with views of the Seine and Notre Dame, provided the

perfect setting to write her dissertation. Her commitment to social justice was a flame she

wanted to pass on to her children. To that end, she was able to take her daughter, Lisette, when

she traveled to the United Nations Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial

Discrimination in Geneva, Switzerland.

Legacy

The greatest purpose of life is to live for something that will last longer than you

Althris nurtured her children's appreciation for culture, fashion, and the arts from an early age.

Frequent trips and experiences broadened their horizons and prepared them for the future,

teaching them that the world was vast and full of possibilities.

Each of her children, in their own unique way, became a living testament to her influence. Her

legacy wasn't a singular monument, but a vibrant tapestry woven through their lives. They each

found their own thread, connecting to her life lessons and shared passions, expressing them in

ways that reflected their individual spirits. Her imprint wasn't a stamp, but a gentle shaping,

allowing them to blossom into the individuals they were meant to be, carrying pieces of her

heart within them.

Althris left the blueprint which forms the foundation for her future generations. She was blessed

to see her daughter Lisette's portrait hung in a Philadelphia City Hall Courtroom where she

served as a judge for many years.

In the last two and a half years, Althris was blessed with a particularly precious connection, her

great-grandson, Khari. He and his mother, Jordan, became her constant companions, filling her

weekdays with love and care. Their relationship beautifully mirrored the cycle of life, with the

elder nurturing the child. Each day was an opportunity for Althris to share her passions, gently

guiding Khari as he discovered the world at his own speed. He, in turn, was an eager student,

absorbing her love of music, reading, and the arts, while learning the timeless truth that kindness and love endure. Family was Althris' greatest joy, her heart overflowing with love for them. Her unwavering

commitment to family, her dedication to community, and her deep love of God form the enduring

legacy she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children: William (Karen) Shirdan, Milton "Skeet"

Shirdan II, Lisette (Ray) Harris, Babette Shirdan, Andre (Rona) Shirdan; her grandchildren:

Dax Shirdan, Hejira Nitoto, Kwesi Harris, Damon Shirdan, Portia Knox, Dana Shirdan, Brittany

Brown, Phillip Shirdan Jr., Jordan Knox, Gabrielle Shirdan, Aaron Shirdan, Mike Shirdan, and 23

great-grandchildren; sister, Juliaette W. Phillips; and Family by heart: Vivian, Terrell, Eric, Tina,

and Clarence; Althris was predeceased in death by her husband, Milton; son, Phillip; and brother, William.

Dax Shirdan, Hejira Nitoto, Kwesi Harris, Damon Shirdan, Portia Knox, Dana Shirdan, Brittany

Brown, Phillip Shirdan Jr., Jordan Knox, Gabrielle Shirdan, Aaron Shirdan, Mike Shirdan, and 23

great-grandchildren; sister, Juliaette W. Phillips; and Family by heart: Vivian, Terrell, Eric, Tina, and Clarence. Althris was predeceased in death by her husband, Milton; son, Phillip; and brother, William.