Shirley Ann Gilkey

Obituary

  Shirley (Cheryl) Gilkey

Shirley Gilkey, affectionately known as Cheryl, graced our lives with her vibrant spirit on January 21, 1952, born to Grace and Melvin Gilkey in the heart of Denver, Colorado. As the seventh child in a beloved family of eight, her presence was a brilliant thread woven into the tapestry of their lives.

Shirley’s journey through education began in the Denver Public Schools, where she met her lifelong friends, Juanita and Ruby, forging bonds that would last through the years. As life blossomed around her, she embraced motherhood with pride, welcoming her first son, Adrian Asberry, followed by her cherished daughter, Tyawne Williams. Her heart expanded further with the arrival of two more daughters, Tashara Bell and Tasia McBride, after meeting her true love, TJ Stubblefield.

In her professional life, Shirley showcased her warmth and dedication, working in various roles from Mountain Bell to hospitals and nursing homes, always with a smile and a can-do attitude. Known for her culinary skills, she delighted family and friends with her famous hams and macaroni and cheese, infusing every meal with love and laughter.

Shirley was renowned for her unapologetic candidness—what you saw was genuinely what you got. Her feisty and sassy nature was a hallmark of her character, and her straightforward approach to life ensured that her voice was always heard. Holidays, always a highlight for her, resonated with music, laughter, and endless dancing. A particular joy was rooted in her love for Lil Wayne’s song "Mrs. Officer," a melody she played on repeat, bringing a contagious smile to all around her.

Through every twist and turn of her journey, Shirley held tight to the lesson her mother imparted: to nurture a loving relationship with God. This faith brought her comfort and strength, a beacon throughout her life. Above all, her family was her greatest treasure—her love boundless and unwavering.

She is reunited in spirit with her beloved mother, Grace Coleman, brothers William, James, RC, and Levon Gilkey, sisters Doris Gilkey and Gracie Chapman, and her cherished grandson Jebron Johnson. 

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through her son, Adrian Asberry; daughters Tyawne Williams, Tashara Bell, and Tasia McBride; her brother Bobby Gilkey; and a vibrant family of 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.