Shirley Ann Smith-Coger was born on January 11, 1951 to the late Henry Wyman and Rose Lee Lawrence in Russell County, Alabama. Having moved to Monmouth County, New Jersey as a small child, she was educated in the New Jersey Public school system. Shirley graduated from Monmouth Regional High School where she was involved in several extracurricular activities.
Shirley was full of life and loved people! She had a passion for helping others and expressed this throughout her career as a home health aide. She also volunteered in the community, serving others at the Lunch Break.
Shirley loved to laugh and have a good time. She had an appreciation for fashion and enjoyed music and dancing. A woman of many talents, Shirley had a knack for sewing and cooking. She was especially known for her fried chicken and coconut cake, which she made with love and shared with many. She was always looking for ways to build the lives of others.
Shirley is predeceased by her father, her siblings Mary and Richard Lawrence and her daughter Sheri Coger.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mother Rose; her three sons Reggie Smith (Jackie), Richard Coger Jr. and Rondel Coger; her siblings John (Gwen) Lawrence, Herman (Janet) Lawrence, Betty Brockington, Juanita Lawrence, Carrie Lawrence and Barbara Saint; 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a special friend Gus and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
