Shirley A. Pulling

Shirley A. Pulling was born on February 9, 1951 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to her parents, Annie Mae Briggs Carroll and George Pittman. She was the fifth child of thirteen born to the family. As a child, it was tradition that she would help to take care of her siblings, therefore every morning she would get them ready for school and her brothers would walk them.

Shirley was educated through the Pine Bluff School District, where she attended Southeast High School. She was a whiz at math and known to challenge anyone. One of her proud accomplishments was being a part of the majorette program.

Shirley began her own family with the birth of her two sons born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 

Shirley then moved to Illinois where she was later blessed with the birth of four daughters.

Looking for new opportunities, Shirley moved her family to Denver, Colorado with her mother. 

During this time, she earned a certificate in home health care and was employed by Denver Human Services.  She later opened up a practice called “Walk With Me” where she appropriately took care of other people which has always been her passion. She started United Parent Association, a non-profit organization that she devoted her time to fighting for the rights of kids in public school systems. In later years, she was blessed to enjoy her own grandchildren. She dedicated her time to taking care of them and was affectionately known as “G Mom”. Shirley’s grandchildren loved to be around her, learning how to cook and listening to all the stories of her youth. Each one of them looked forward to getting advice from her and found comfort in knowing that she loved them unconditionally. 

Those that knew Shirley best describe her as a phenomenal woman, someone in the community that anyone could come to and talk to. She was known to have taken people in who needed her at any time. She never met a person that was truly a stranger. "Hi baby" was her signature greeting to anyone she encountered along with a friendly wave. 

Shirley was known for many delectable dishes and would often prepare meals or desserts for individuals who would ask. She was willing to teach others how to make her signature desserts including sweet potato pie and peach cobbler. Up until her last days, people would still request for her to make these items. 

She is preceded in death by her mother, Annie Mae Briggs Carroll; father, George Pittman; siblings, Tommy Lee Pittman, John Anthony Carroll, Jerome Carroll, Barbara Jean Smith, Alvie Dean Carroll, Aloia Eloise Ricks, and Willie Allen Carroll.

She is survived by her six children, Ray (Gail) Pulling, Henry (Dede) Pulling, Chawanda Pulling, Tasha (Damaur) Pulling, LaTwon Pulling, and Tamika Pulling; siblings, Mildred Carroll Sorrells, Samuel Earl (Kathleen) Carroll, Joseph Barry Carroll, Joyce Marie Carroll, and Linda Diane Carroll; aunt, Linnie Belle Briggs-Gordon; sister-in-law’s, Mary Carroll and Carolyn Carroll; grandchildren, Deion, Jr., Alecia, Oshanee’, Damajahnee, R’Manie, Khyaire, Jace, Daiyah, Kaylie and D’Asia; 3 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Although Heaven has gained an angel, she will truly be missed.