Shirley Ann Sheffield, 87, of Orange Park (native of Palatka), entered the sunset of life on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at her son's residence in Jacksonville. The daughter of David Sheffield & Etta Bell (Brown) Sheffield, Shirley was born on Monday, February 24, 1936 in Palatka. She was educated in the Putnam County School System at Central Academy High School.  She was a certified nursing assistant employed at Moosehaven Retirement Community for many years.  She was also formerly employed as an Assistant Director of the Clay County branch of the Head Start program.  As a longtime member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, Shirley served as president of the Pastor's Aide Ministry.  Spending time with family and friends brought her great joy.  She was known to have a great affinity for flowers….all types, any kind.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in eternal rest by her daughter, Gail Purifoy Green; brothers, John Bell, Arthur David Sheffield, Ronald Sheffield.

Precious memories of Shirley remain with her loving and devoted son, Wendell (Beverly) Purifoy; daughter, Carla Brown-Anders; grandchildren, Ebony Dobson, Victoria Johnson; Dr. Veronica Johnson,  Chanterrell Carlisle (Jmal), Carneisha (Jajuan) Mamby, Chante' Anders, Carven Anders, Jr.; great-grandson, Wendell David Valerio; "like a daughter," Bethena Dasher; faithful and loving special friends, Maydell Arnah, Lillie Mae Harris, Yvonne Battle.

Visitation of family and friends will be 9-11 a.m., with Celebration of Life commencing at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 25, at Congregational Holiness Church, 2079 SR 16 W, Green Cove Springs. Shirley's Pastor, Reverend Robert L. Wright, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Green Cove Springs.