Margaret Virginia Shirriell

Margaret Virginia Jennings Shirriell, the sixth child of the late Margaret Barmer Jennings and the late Samuel L. Jennings was born in Gumberry, North Carolina on October 28th, 1940. Margaret, a beloved mother and grandmother departed this life and gained her heavenly wings on Saturday, March 23rd after a lengthy illness. Margaret was exceedingly bright. She graduated from Hayden High School in Franklin, Virginia, with the honors distinction of “salutatorian” of her senior class. During her junior year of high school, Margaret was selected by the Hayden High School’s administration to mentor and tutor students from Nigeria who were a part of a program that allowed high school students to study in the United States. After graduating from high school, Margaret moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1958. At the behest of her older sister, the late Edith M. Moore, Margaret started her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital where she worked in the central supply department. During this time, Margaret enrolled in the Cortez W. Peters business training school where she excelled at shorthand and typing. Skills which became essential as she built her career. In 1968 Magaret married the late Robert Clifton Shirriell Sr. of Brandywine, Maryland. Together they parented three beautiful children, the late Lawanda Lynette Shirriell, Robert “Bobby” Clifton Shirriell Jr. and Barry Christopher Shirriell. While raising her family, Margaret decided to obtain her college degree. She enrolled at Sojourner Douglas College where she graduated with honors in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration. With her superior skills and intelligence, Margaret built a vibrant career as an administrative assistant with Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Maryland for over twenty years. She later retired as an Executive Assistant with The Social Security Administration of Maryland with 23 years of service. Margaret was affectionally known as “Gin or Aunt Gin” by her family. She was never, ever at a loss for words. She rarely missed an opportunity to share her wisdom and opinions with those she loved. She enjoyed supporting our local sports teams. The fabulous Baltimore Orioles with her late husband Robert and our outstanding Baltimore Ravens with Dontae and friends. A passion she also shared with her sisters Edith, Mayziner “Polly” and Gloria, As her health declined, Margaret was cared for in the home of her devoted grandson Dontae Christopher Thompson and his late husband Charles Brooks. Through the loving circle of support that was created by Margaret’s sons and grandchildren, she didn’t have a need that was not met. Charles’ mother, Ms. Cheryl Brooks and brother Mr. Timothy Wilkins, became a tremendous support in the care of Margaret and both continue to provide loving support to the family. Margaret departed this life with her loving and devoted family by her side. Husband Robert C. Shirriell, daughter Lawanda L. Shirriell, siblings, Edith M. Moore. Roger Lee Jennings, Frank Jennings Sr., Mary Lee Dorsey, Gloria J. Jennings, and Calvin Lewis Jennings Sr. all proceeded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: Two sisters Mayziner Wellons and Shirley M. Evans, Sons Robert C. Shirriell Jr. and Barry C. Shirriell Sr. (wife Athena Michelle), Granddaughter’s Lisa R. Thompson, Sierra A. Stewart, Shemika R. Dixon, Khadijah L. Shirriell, La’Shea N. Shirriell and Jamayah S. Sawyer, Grandsons Dontae C. Thompson, Robert Shirriell III and Barry C. Shirriell Jr., Great Grandchildren, Nia, Tyree, Taijah, Justice, Miguel, Tristan, Gabriel and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends

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Margaret Virginia Shirriell

October 28, 1940 - March 23, 2024