SHIRLEY DELORES WISE was born on October 5, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shirley passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023. She was 86 years old. She was raised by her mother, Marian and her husband Calvin Turner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shirley was one of three children: Carolyn Turner Harris and Gregory Turner. Shirley spent the first five years of her life in Union, South Carolina, being cared for by her grandmother, Elizabeth "Betsy" Smith.

Shirley was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System and graduated from Germantown High School in 1954.

In 1955, Shirley married William E. Allen, Sr. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From this union, three children were born, Terri Lynn Allen, Tanya Marie Evans and William E. Allen, Jr.

Shirley was employed by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she managed the school's cafeteria. Shirley furthered her education and achieved a professional certification as a Dental Assistant. After obtaining a Health Caretaker Certification, Shirley worked at Saunders House and later provided home healthcare for private patients.

Shirley had six grandchildren: Anthony Ross, William E. Allen, III, (Trey), Heather M. Ross, Darren M. Evans, Colin M. Evans and Myles A. Allen. She also had eight great-grandchildren: Jayden A. Ross, Aryn L. Ross, Jaxon W. Pinder, Nyla M. Ross, Samuele M. Evans, Alejandro K. Fernandez, BriLynn M. Ross and Tommaso N. Evans.

Shirley was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Philadelphia for 40 years. At Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Shirley was a member of the Flower Guild, where she served as Treasurer.

Following her divorce from William E. Allen, Sr., Shirley met Charles A. Wise of New York. Shirley and Charles were united in marriage in March, 1984 in Philadelphia. Charles preceded her in death.

Shirley enjoyed traveling. She especially enjoyed trips to Jamaica, St. Martin, St. Thomas and Canada.

Shirley was passionate about attending and spending time with her family at family reunions. She traveled to such locations as Savannah, GA, Cincinnati, Ohio, Washington, DC and Union, South Carolina to attend family reunions.

Shirley became a resident of Saunders House in 2019. While Shirley was well cared for by the staff at Saunders House; The care she was provided with by her daughters and son was extraordinary. Shirley was frequently visited and taken by her children to visit her extended family at gatherings.

She is survived by her children: Terri Lynn Allen, Tanya Marie Evans (Elmer), William E. Allen, Jr., (Shepeta); one sister: Carolyn Harris; one brother: Gregory Turner; six grandchildren: Anthony Ross, William E. Allen, III, (Trey), Heather M. Ross, Darren M. Evans, Colin M. Evans and Myles A. Allen; eight great-grandchildren: Jayden A. Ross, Aryn L. Ross, Jaxon W. Pinder, Nyla M. Ross, Samuele M. Evans, Alejandro K. Fernandez, BriLynn M. Ross and Tommaso N. Evans; a host of cousins, notably: Jesse Merrill (Sonya), Ralph E. Lipsey, Jr.; two nephews: Randy Jones and Jon Gregory Turner and one niece: Amaris Jones.