SHIRLEY ERSKINE

Shirley Annette Cantu-Erskine and her twin Sharon Ann Cantu were born on February 10, 1946 in San Antonio, TX to Florida C. Thompson and Thomas Cantu. Sadly, her twin did not make it only living for 16 hours.  Shirley was called to rest on Wednesday December 11, 2019.

Shirley was one of the most loving, caring and passionate people that would brighten a room and everyone's heart and soul when she was around. As her dementia progressed her health declined but it was no match for her loving spirit or her strong faith in God.

Shirley went to school from kindergarten to 12th grade at Saint Peter Claver Academy, now known as Healy Murphy. She received her diploma on May 22, 1964. She continued her education at St. Philips College where she received her Vocational Nursing Certification on September 10, 1967.

Shirley began working at Santa Rosa Medical Center as an LVN. It was the next day after receiving her Certification, September 11, 1967, during her time; she received employee of the month twice, in 1982 and in 1994. She was promoted to LVN-III after completing a clinical team leading course on February the 15, 1982.

Shirley became a member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church at an early age and was a devoted member. She has been in numerous ministries, church activities which include the United Methodist Women (UMW), membership chairperson, secretary for the Hoover Hudgins Wisemans, food pantry, Sunday school teacher and scripture reader for the 8:00 o'clock service. She was a devoted scripture reader just about every Sunday after working a 12-hour shift from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, most of the time she would still be in her nursing uniform. She also made a weekly donation for the continental breakfast- (donuts & juice) before service. She sang in the women’s day choir, worked St. Paul’s youth booth at Taste of New Orleans, lead line dance classes, always enjoyed being a greeter and always wanted to be part of Vacation Bible School until her health declined in 2016.

Shirley Was a rock and roll marathon runner in 2009. She also was a member of (BSF) Bible Study Fellowship for over 10 years.

 Shirley’s greatest joy besides her continuous faith in God and her family, was dancing. She especially loved line dancing. She went to District 2 Senior Center, faithfully every Tuesday and Thursday, just so she could line dance until her health declined.

Shirley Was preceded in death by her father Thomas Cantu; mother, Florida Thompson; great aunt Ora Lee Jackson her uncles Marshall Jackson and Earl James Bullock Sr; twin sister, Sharon Ann Cantu and cousin Gwendolyne Bullock.

Shirley Leaves to cherish her memories: a daughter, Pamela Erskine-Brown (Patrick); grandson, Deondre Brown; great aunt, Marie Bullock; cousins, Earl James Bullock Jr; Rick Bullock (Christine), Dianne Harris (Paul), and Marsha Jackson-Dobson (Arnold). And a host of other cousins, family and loving friends.

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