Shirley Jean Brown

Shirley Perkins Brown, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, in El Reno, Oklahoma. She was born on December 6, 1942, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to the late William M. Perkins, Sr. and Ora Mae Brooks Perkins. Shirley was a selfless, loving, and generous woman who touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Shirley was a lifelong resident of El Reno, where she attended Booker T. Washington from 1st to 11th grade. She later completed her GED at the American School through Correspondence. Shirley had a long and successful career, working for AT&T, Western Electric, and Lucent Technologies for a combined 31 years of service. Her dedication and commitment to her work were truly admirable.
Shirley was a devoted member of the Eastern Star for 20 years and was baptized at the age of 8 at Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church. She served as the Church Clerk and participated in the community choir, sharing her love for music and worship with others. Shirley was married to Robert Adair and later to Charles Brown until his death.
In her spare time, Shirley loved to travel and explore new places. She had a passion for sewing and made everything she wore to work, showcasing her creativity and skill. Shirley's selflessness and generosity were evident in her commitment to her family and community, always putting others before herself.
Shirley is survived by her loving children, Byron Chapel of El Reno, OK, Tara Bell of Texas, Darnell Adair of Texas, Alisha Brown of Texas, and Steve Brown of Oklahoma. She was a proud grandmother to Crystal Bell, Tamara Bell, Wendall Thompson II, Jajuan Chapel, Byron Chapel, Jr., and many other loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by her sisters, Eloise Frazier, Lorraine Bruton, and Sharon Johnson, as well as her brothers, James Arthur, Orval Perkins, Ronnie Perkins, Steve Perkins, and Chris Perkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William M. Perkins, Sr. and Ora Mae Brooks Perkins; sons, Keith Chapel and Jerry Adair; brothers, William M. Perkins, Jr., Bobby Lee Perkins, and Larry Perkins; and sister, Doris Ann Perkins.
Shirley Perkins Brown leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, compassion, and strength. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her. As we celebrate her life and cherish her memory, we are reminded of the lasting impact she had on so many. May she rest in peace, knowing that her spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who loved her.
A wake and visitation for Shirley Brown will be from 5-7pm on Thursday, May 25th at Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church in El Reno. A service celebrating her life will be at 11am on Friday, May 26th at the Pentecostal Church of God in El Reno with burial following at El Reno Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home, El Reno.