Shirley Jo Guinn

Shirley Jo Guinn was born on June 15,1945, in Ecorse Michigan. Her parents, Vernice L. Parker and Joe W. Parker preceded her in death. Shirley was the oldest daughter of seven siblings. She was educated in the Detroit Public school system and graduated from Chadsey High School in January,1963. The Lord called her home just shy of her 77th birthday. Never will you meet a more compassionate, caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Shirley retired from the banking profession after an exciting 45 years of service as an executive assistant. Transitioning with Manufacturer’s bank to what we now know as Comerica. Her offices were located on the top floor of the Renaissance Center until Comerica moved into its new headquarters a few blocks away. A spectacular career that began with her attendance at a local business school where she continued to improve her clerical skills which included short hand writing for transcription. She would eventually serve as executive assistant to the president of Comerica bank.

Shirley was raised in Southwest Detroit with six siblings under the guidance of their father Joe Parker. The Parker family lost their mother at an early age and Shirley, along with her older brothers, Marion and Raymond, stepped up to care for their younger siblings.

Shirley lived briefly in Chicago with her first husband, Freeling Guinn, but the couple returned to Detroit to expand their career opportunities. To their union, two children, Delana Alyse and Freeling Damon were born. Later in life Shirley was united in marriage to James Stevenson. Shirley enjoyed a Christian life of family, work, church, and friends.

A God-fearing woman, the month of December always brought her joy in expectation of celebrating the holidays with family. She had a fond love of preparing full course meals for all to enjoy. Never any pressure, just stop by the house, say hello, grab a plate.

Everyone knew the meticulous manner in which she cared for her family, her home, her own personal presentation, and the thoroughness and dedication with which she properly completed all tasks.

A lover of travel, Shirley visited many parts of the world, both nationally and internationally, with her brothers and sisters at her side. Her tenderness, kindness, and power as a true lady reached far beyond herself. As the Secretary and member of the Southfield Chapter of AARP, she volunteered to help feed and clothe the less fortunate. Through Comerica Bank, she was instrumental in the collection and distribution of Goodfellow dolls and other toys which ensured economically deprived children were able to experience a great Christmas.

Shirley would not want us to feel sad for her passing. Like the soldier she was, her concern for us would be that we carry on as proudly as she did and meet our daily challenges knowing the work of the Lord must continue.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her children, Delana Alyse Wilcox and Freeling Damon Guinn; Four Grandchildren, Janay Baldwin (David), Dewitt McGowan, Dwayne Wilcox Jr., Dwan Wilcox, and their father, Dwayne Wilcox Sr.; Two great grandchildren, Demi Amir and Joi Rayna-Monae; Five siblings, Raymond Parker (Hilda), Doris Reeves, Gwendolyn Woods, William Parker (Lois), and Robert Parker (JoAnn). Her oldest brother, Marion Parker, preceded her in death on October 04, 2021. She also leaves to mourn her passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.