Shirley Mae Sease

Shirley Mae Sease, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin, was born on September 10, 1956, in Aiken, South Carolina. She was one of fifteen children born to the late Willie and Ida Mae (Fintch) Sease. Raised in a home built on strong values, faith, and love, Shirley was educated in the Bridgeton, New Jersey School System and later made her home in Salem, NJ, where she lived for over thirty years.

Shirley was deeply loved and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She proudly celebrated her accomplishments, especially earning her Chef certification from Atlantic County Culinary Arts School in Atlantic City. Cooking was her passion, and her kitchen was always open. Whether boiling crabs, planning a cookout, or whipping up a home-cooked meal, Shirley used food to bring people together-no special occasion needed.

She worked hard and took pride in every job she held, including positions at Anchor Glass in Salem, Hunts and Wesson in Bridgeton, B&B Poultry in Vineland, and others until her health declined. Shirley had a bold spirit and a generous heart. She'd help anyone-but always spoke her mind, whether you liked it or not.

A lifelong fan of professional wrestling, Shirley took her matches seriously-no phone calls allowed. She also loved cowboy westerns, especially Gunsmoke starring Matt Dillon. One of her greatest joys was rooting for her beloved Dallas Cowboys. Win or lose, she proudly wore the star and playfully taunted any family or friend who wasn't a diehard fan like her.

Her favorite companion was her beloved dog, Shalamor. If you were in Salem, it wasn't unusual to see the two riding around on her scooter every day. Shirley will always be remembered for her signature saying: "Never say you're sorry-because nobody wants a sorry person. Just say, 'I apologize' instead."

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: one loving daughter, Nicole Rivera (Enrico, Sr.), whom she loved dearly; two grandsons, Enrico Jr. and Jamael Rivera; one granddaughter, Brianna Hatch; and seven great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Charlotte, Ali, Cameron, Brielle, Caidyn, and Christian. She had a special place in her heart for her nephew Roger Newsome (Anne), whom she affectionately referred to as the son she never had, and her loyal companion, her dog Shalamor. Three sisters: Carol Grace of Bridgeton, NJ; Marlyn Sease of Vineland, NJ and LaVerne Sease-Batie of Glassboro, NJ; and five brothers: Willie Sease Jr., Robert Sease, and Henry Sease, all of Bridgeton, NJ; Thomas Sease of Vineland, NJ; and John Sease of Millville, NJ. Two brothers-in-laws: Sherman Smith of Philadelphia, PA, and Timothy Batie Sr. of Glassboro, NJ; five sisters-in-law: Janice (Butler) Sease, Juanita (Johnson) Sease, and Antranette (Loatman) Sease, all of Bridgeton, NJ; Regina (Harris) Sease of Vineland, NJ; and Cheryl Pierce of Millville, NJ. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends-each of whom she loved and who were touched by her kindness, humor, and strength.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Ida Mae Sease; her daughter, Cambria Sease; five sisters: Annie Sease-Cousin, Louvinia Sease-Smith, Mattie Sease, Diane Sease-Carter, and Dorothy Sease; one brother, Charles Sease; three brothers-in-law: Lawrence Cousin, Edward C. Carter Sr., and Carl Grace; four aunts: Ada Fintch, Lottie Underwood, Willie Lee Tyson, and Maude Williams; and six uncles: Charles and Gilbert Fintch, Conlee and David Sease, William Underwood Sr., and Albert Williams. Her voice, her laughter, and her unwavering love will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Shirley Mae Sease's legacy lives on through her family and the many lives she touched.

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