Shirley Leftwich's Obituary
Shirley E. Poe Leftwich was born January 7, 1940 in Gary, West Virginia. She was the third child born to Robert and Lessie Roberts Poe.Having attended the McDowell County Public Schools, Shirley graduated from Gary District High School. She also, attended the Mercer County Career Center for certification as a seamstress. After marrying Gerald Leftwich in 1958, she moved to Bluefield, West Virginia. Together they were the parents of four children. They soon began pursuit of the “American Dream” through purchasing a home as well as launching their own business. She and her husband opened The Factory—a restaurant and game room that catered largely to students from Bluefield State College.Shirley Leftwich was baptized at an early age in the Church of Our Lord Jesus in Gary under the pastorate of the late Elder Posey Smith. In Bluefield she became a member of what is now Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church under the pastorate of the late Bishop C. E. Moore.She provided faithful and dedicated service in various capacities of the ministry including Young People’s Union supervisor, church administrator and secretary, President of the Usher Board, the music ministry as a member of both the Ensemble and the Mt. Zion Praise Team. After moving to Huntington due to illness, she was faithfully engaged at Full Gospel Assembly. Her passion was the Bible classes, as well as personal study of The Word until declining health would no longer allow. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter Rhonda Maureen Leftwich and her sister, Gladys Joyce and brother-in-law Jerry. Shirley leaves to cherish her memories her children: Karrell Renna Moore and her husband Samuel (Huntington), Dean Andrea Leftwich and his wife Donna (Daniels); and Dreama Leftwich Chambers and her husband Eddie (Charlotte, NC). Also remaining are her beloved siblings: brother, Robert Poe, Jr. and wife Lucy (New York, NY); sister, Joyce McMillan (Columbus, OH), and brother, Andre’ Poe and wife Toyia (Columbus, OH) in addition to three special nieces, Theresa Thomas, Denise Joyce, and Debbie Reeves. Mrs. Leftwich took great pleasure in sharing time with her grandchildren: Dominique, Leland, Jakki and husband Andre, Harrison, Danielle, Chelsie, and Amber. She also received joy from interacting with her great-grandchildren: Nyree, Robert Dean, Kenlee, Lakin, Paxton, Kinsley, Alexis, Rashaud, and Miracle, along with dear friends in the persons of Bessie Twyman and Ronnie Perry. Also, “just-like-family”, Joanna Gregory and Tamara Hamlin, and godsons Christopher Watson and Lucious Oliver, II. The family also wants to acknowledge wonderful and caring support from the Full Gospel Assembly family—especially Sheila Tubbs, Ida Franklin, Ernestine and Paul Richmond, David Hill, Melba Kelly, and Sheila Eanes, in addition to the committed service provided by Hospice of Huntington. As well, the invaluable service and consultation provided by Hall Funeral Home cannot be overstated.
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