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BORN

1945

DIED

2024

SHIRLEY SOLOMON Obituary

SHIRLEY JEAN SOLOMON

Aug. 11, 1945 – July 26, 2024

On July 26, 2024, I unexpectedly lost my mother, my only parent, my Shirley girl. Shirley had been ill but not diagnosed until it was too late, two weeks later, she was gone.

My mother was very specific in what she wanted and didn't want she didn't want a service or an obituary, she didn't want a bunch of people informed of her passing. I've tried to honor her request but felt she deserved at least an in memoriam so that other people that knew and loved her would know.

Shirley Jean Solomon was born August 11, 1945, in El Centro, CA, third child to Ben II and Ruby Solomon (Keeling) and identical twin to Carol Ann.

Reared in El Centro and attending local schools, after the passing of her father, the family moved to Pomona, CA, where she would obtain an associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Chaffey College. Shirley later returned to El Centro, where she would follow in her father's footsteps and become the first black female deputy with the Imperial County Sheriff's Department. A position she held for 22 years.

If you knew Shirley you know she could be sassy, funny and sweet. If she was fond of you she was sure to crochet a pillow or blanket for you or your newborn. Shirley loved crocheting, bingo, casinos, movies, line dance and a good perfume. She could be very thoughtful and would do anything for the people she loved. I have many fond memories of my mother, and if you knew her I hope you have some as well.

The day after my mother passed, I began seeing monarch butterflies and still see them quite frequently. I like to think it's her saying hello. If you happen to see a monarch butterfly, maybe it's Shirley saying hello to you too.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Ben II and Ruby; twin sister, Carol Ann; and brothers, Steven, Ben III, and Leslie.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Toia Brown; furry granddaughter, Stella (she'd laugh at this); sister, Devette; 7 nieces and nephews also great-nieces and nephews.

If you have persistently not felt, well please don't allow your doctors to dismiss it, be an advocate for yourself and get a second opinion to get the care you need.

This photo is my favorite of my mother wearing a t-shirt I got for her for Mother's Day 2 years prior.

I miss my mother everyday. If you have a funny memory of Shirley please share it, I would love to hear it.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on May 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for SHIRLEY SOLOMON

Not sure what to say?





Tommy G. Meza

September 28, 2025

My condolences to the family & friends. Yes l remember the Solomon sister. Very friendly and charismatic. Rest In Eternal Paradise Shirley.

Erin

September 27, 2025

I'm so sorry to read of Shirley's passing. I remember all 3 of the Solomon kids fondly: Shirley and Carol and Benny. Thank you for posting your mom's obituary-even though she didn't want you to-as I have often wondered why I never seem to run into people I once knew here in El Centro anymore. Please know that your mom was appreciated by a lot of this community.

Sincerely,
Erin Craig
CUHS Class of 1963

J

August 18, 2025

My dearest Toia; I´m sorry to hear about your mother, she was a sweet lady.

Linda Wilson Birger

July 14, 2025

My condolences to your family. I knew Shirley and Carol when we were in 6th and 7th grade together at Rose Mesquite School. We had so much fun together at school and sometimes my Mom would let me walk home with them after school. They lived not far from the school on McConnell Road. Fond memories. Good friends. Prayers for your family.

Toia Brown

June 7, 2025

"Peanut" thank you so much for your comment it was very sweet and touching. I do come and read them often.
In some cultures butterflies symbolize a loved one that has passed. Maybe the ones you saw were your mom visiting you...it´s a nice thought.

Navigating life without my mother on this planet has been strange...but I guess it´s just my new normal. So I understand you feeling alone.

Sending you an ocean full of prayers, hugs and well wishes as you navigate your recent diagnosis. I´m glad the ER physician was able to detect it so you can get the care/treatment you need.

Thank you for taking time to post your comment, it means a lot.

Toia Brown

Peanut

June 6, 2025

I was looking at people that have passed and when I seen your mother's picture I recognized her after reading about her life by her daughter Toia Brown. I do remember seeing your mom in uniform for the Imperial County Sheriff's Department. What made me want to comment is that I recently have been diagnosed with a heart issue. It left me with a disbelief that I had been diagnosed by an E.R. physician. What resonated so much to me is that I recently seen butterflies flying around at a Dear friend's place in Brawley. I have been friends with this person for over 48 years. I also consider him a mentor in my life. So when I read a memory shared by Trish a mail carrier and how she delivered mail to your mother or her friend that had moved away and lived on orange. We'll I currently live on orange Ave. So I just had to share my emotions. I lost my Mother in the year 2000. And her death was sudden and left me all alone in this world. She was my confidant, my best friend and never realized it till she was gone. To Toia Brown the daughter of Shirley Soloman your mother would be so proud of you knowing you touched a strangers life just by sharing her story. And how you made it important to put that message out about if one has not been feeling well to have yourself checked and always get a second opinion. Thank you for sharing your mother's story and my sincere Condolences to your loss. May she always be remember and all the good she did for other, but also for her serving this community and dedicating her life to her career as an Imperial County Sheriff's Officer. May you keep her memory alive, forever..... thank you for your message Toia Brown Sincerely, A stranger in El Centro Blessed are thoses who love others. Amen

Trish McCollum

May 13, 2025

I remember your mom I was a lettercarrier and used to deliver mail to her on orange and would see her and May Douglas at bingo they were always together laughing having fun the last time I seen her she was sad her friend may was moving to Oklahoma and that's about 4 years ago I wondered what happened to her so glad you put something into the paper what a wonderful story about your mom she'd been proud even though she didn't want a fuss about her..she probably didn't mean it what a lovely daughter thank you for sharing her story

Toia Brown

May 13, 2025

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments about my mother.

ToniY.

May 12, 2025

Sitting out on my patio in SD, immediately saw a monarch butterfly, it flew back and forth and all around!

Toni Y

May 12, 2025

Dear Soloman family members and friends, community, Shirley was a happy and kind person. Dedicated like other family members to the betterment of the comminity. I knew from my classes.

Sharon Anderholt

May 8, 2025

A lovely `paid advertisement´ and tribute to your mom. I went to high school with her. She was funny, happy and a good athlete. May God be with you, family & friends. My condolences and sincere sympathy to all remaining

Anonymous

May 8, 2025

Rest in Peace Shirley

Nicki Curtis

May 7, 2025

I didn´t know your mom, but I wish I had. I can´t help but feel cheated of the opportunity to know her and love her like I´m sure so many people did. Rest in Peace to the sweet lady I never knew.

Toni Durfee Curiel

May 7, 2025

I knew both Shirley and her twin sister from high school. Ihad them both in a PE class. Shirley was sweet and a lot of fun,
as was her twin. May they ready in peace.

Tommy G Meza

May 7, 2025

My Condolences to The Solomon Family. Rest In Eternal Paradise Shirley

Kathleen Gramsgibbs

May 7, 2025

Lovely Lady. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Michael Hackett

May 7, 2025

Best wishes to the family and all who loved Shirley. She was a good friend at the Sheriff's Office and it was a pleasure to work with her during our careers. On many occasions she made me laugh and smile at her sense of humor. She will always be missed and well-remembered as a strong and hard-working person.

Ann Bordges

May 7, 2025

I did not know your mama, but it would have been a pleasure! May she rest in peace & peace to you & the family.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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