Shirley Ann Alexander

Shirley Ann Alexander

Shirley Ann (Parkinson) Alexander, age 89, passed away in Naples Florida on October 4, 2025 after her long battle with Parkinsons disease and a short battle with Covid. Shirley was born in Martinsburg, WV, May 19, 1936 the daughter of William and Flora B. Parkinson.

Shirley graduated from Martinsburg High School, class of 1954. She worked at the Martinsburg Journal from 1954 until 1961. She and her husband of 65 years, Lynn Alexander, were married in Martinsburg in 1960. She was a stay-at-home mother until her sons were in school then worked as a teachers aid at the Rosemont Elementary School until her husband was transferred to the Pentagon with the Air National Guard.

Shirley served as the secretary for Congressman Cleve Benedict representing the 2nd Congressional district of West Virginia from 1981 to 1983. In 1983 she was one of the founding members of the U.S. House of Representatives Page School staff. She served as Administrative Assistant to the House Page School Principal. She was also known as "Mom A" to the approximately 1600 House Pages who attended the Page school until her retirement in 1996. Shirley was well known on Capital Hill working with the congressional offices of both parties and the White House staff. She was honored at her retirement being presented the gavel that opened the 104th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Shirley was also well known throughout the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force as a military spouse. Her outgoing personality was admired by everyone she met. She attended and spoke at many military events with her husband as he served at the Pentagon as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Air National Guard Director. She was honored in West Virginia when they proclaimed her an honorary General in the militia of the West Virginia Air National Guard.

Before leaving Martinsburg, Shirley volunteered as coordinator for the American Red Cross Blood Drives for Berkeley County for more than ten years. She is a life member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard Auxiliary and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 135, Naples, FL.

Shirley is survived by her husband Lynn Alexander; son L. Brian Alexander and wife Frances J. Alexander of Marco Island, FL; son Dean C. Alexander and wife Donna Schaefer Alexander of Baltimore, MD; Granddaughter Chloe E. Alexander of Baltimore, MD; Grandson Bradley Alexander and wife Emily Alexander; Great Grandson's Brian W. Alexander and Colton P. Alexander all of St. Leonard's', MD and sister Faye Brown of Martinsburg, WV.

Preceding her in death were Shirley's parents, brother, Max G. Parkinson, step brother Ray Strine and her step dad who raised her Edward Strine.

For those who would like to contribute as a tribute to Shirley, please donate to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.