Shirley Arnita Jones Wynn transitioned into heaven on January 7th, 2018. Shirley was born to the late Elnora Jones Lee. She was later adopted by the late Emma Frances (Fanny) and Sylvester Putty.

She was preceded in death by a loving husband of forty-nine years, Joseph May Wynn, adopted son, Francis "Billybird" Anderson; three sisters: Joyce Lee, Gloria Washington and Juanita Terrell; three brothers: James Jones, Henry Waddy and Francis Kendall; o ne adopted sister, Alberta "Flicker" Sevorwell.

At the early age of four, Shirley Wynn began exploring her life's interest and passion. This interest was to sing praises to the "Lord". Due to her size, she had to stand on the first pew, for the congregation to see her sing at the First Baptist Church in Washington, DC. After singing at several engagements where people could hear a voice but could not see anyone, her dad made a box for her to stand on. She then could be seen and heard by the entire church.

Sister Wynn's interest in singing continued to develop as time passed. She became a dedicated soloist for many churches and groups which included the Temple of Deliverance, H.C.G.I.N.C., Laurel Hill Baptist Church, Willing Workers, Ever Ready Chorus and Enchanting Voices. In addition, she sang with Leo Berkeley and sometimes with Mr. James Holmes. During her years of singing she had the opportunity to sing as an opening performance before the James Cleveland Workshop Choir and Shirley Caesar. Later in life, one of her great joys was to sing with the Relay for Life Choir (Louisa County).

Sister Wynn was an unwavering and dedicated member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church. In addition, she served as the President for a number of years. She was the original organizer for the Men's Chorus, Laurel Hill Sunbeam, June Rally, Family and Friends Day, Pastor's Anniversary and Church Anniversary. She even played the piano sometimes for the church. While working as a servant for God, she directed the following choirs: Senior Choir, Men's Chorus, Inspirational Choir and the Sunbeam Choir. Additionally, she served on the Usher Board and Missionary Board. Sis. Wynn was a Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Shirley attended and worked with other churches in the community, while promoting the need to assist and empower others. She shared her talents not only with the faith community, but with various other community organization in the Central Virginia area.

Education was a key component of Shirley's life she believed in educating herself and others. Shirley was a proud member of the A.G. Richardson: Class of 1961. Throughout her adult life she made it a priority to attend her class reunions, whenever they were held. She attended Virginia Union College which is now Virginia Union University. Mrs. Wynn worked as an educator at Mineral Elementary for a large portion of her career. For over 17yrs, she taught math and reading at the first-grade level. Shirley was an avid reader of various subjects. Continuously, she worked to gain knowledge and improve her life. Shirley returned to school and graduated from PVCC and Mary Baldwin College. She was the first African-American, Librarian for PVCC and GED instructor for Louisa County.

After retirement, she volunteered at the Betty Queen Center where she worked with the elderly. She found this opportunity rewarding and later was hired as a dietitian at the center. Mrs. Wynn continued this employment until her health declined.

She leaves to carry on her legacy four children: Jo-Mona Mallory, Joseph Wynn (Michelle), Sibyl Wynn and Jewel Wynn; one daughter-in-law, Denise Anderson; t hirteen grandchildren: Kenya Holland, Carlos Anderson (Tawanda), Rico Anderson, Hasson Herbert (Krissy), Duane Herbert, Jodell Thornton, Nyah Taylor, Tashaila Parks, Seija Wynn, Dante Wynn, Dylan Wynn, Ajoni and Pharoah Wynn-Floyd; e ight great grandchildren: Carlos Jr, Ziya, King, A'Niyrea, Kareem, Takiyah, Bailey and Aubrey; one great-great grandchild; s iblings: Alma Lewis, Elnora Grooms (Melvin), Sheila Lee, Mary Seaberry (James), Terry Lee, Irma Christmas (Andrew), Deborah Robinson, Marylee Anderson, Mamie (Edmund) Scott, Robert Lee (Florence), John Lee (Mattie) and Russel Lee Jr.; s isters-n-law: Wanda Jones, Florence Wynn, Ernestine Moore and Rosetta Wynn; brother-in-law Ralph Washington and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, her caregiver, Tencha Velasco and Benjamin Coleman, a friend whom she considered more like a son.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Laurel Hill Baptist Church, 7652 Kentucky Spring Road, Mineral, VA 23117 with Rev. Barry Carpenter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.