Shirley Mae McNair

Shirley McNair was born to the late Hugh Gene Ratley and Hattie Mae Pittman Ratley in Fairmont, North Carolina. She was the youngest of five children. Three sisters, Virginia Ratley, Persavor Ratley and Sara Lou Page. One brother Hugh Gene Ratley Jr. Also preceded her in death.
Shirley received Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of twelve and was baptized. She would always talk about Jesus and frequently mentioned how He could do "anything " BUT fail.
Shirley later moved to New York and was united in marriage to Willie Edward McNair and from this union one son was born Willie Vonderes McNair both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two Nieces, Gloria Page whom she was very close with and Vivian Stokes, both of New Jersey.
Shirley received her education from Rosenwald High School in Fairmont, North Carolina. She later moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut where she earned her Cosmetology degree. She then returned to St. Albans, New York and joined Amity Baptist Church.
She loved Amity, her Pastor and church family. She was a long-term and faithful member and served diligently on the Usher board. She frequently stated that she loved being an Usher.
Shirley worked as a Nursing Assistant until she received her Cosmetology license and then worked as a beautician in Jamaica, New York until she retired. She loved serving and helping others.
When her health began to decline, she made the decision to relocate to Wilson, North Carolina where she enjoyed spending time with her niece, extended family and newly met friends.
She is survived by three Nieces, Vickie Ratley Pitt (Eddie) of Wilson, North Carolina who was also her caregiver. Rasheeda Haamid of Morris Plains, NJ and Sheila Page also of New Jersey. Three nephews Abdul Page and Larry Page both if New Jersey, Tyrone Ratley of Wilson North Carolina and a host of other family members and friends.
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