Shirley Anne Osborne, the 14th of 15 children born to the late Ralph T. and Leola M. Lewis, was born on June 18, 1942, in Long Branch, NJ. She peacefully transitioned from this life on October 20, 2025.
Shirley dedicated over 20 years of her life to domestic and CNA work before retiring. In 1963, she met the love of her life, the late Arthur Lee Osborne. Their love was sealed in a beautiful garden ceremony at their home in Red Bank, NJ, officiated by Reverend Kenneth Grayson. Shirley was educated in the Red Bank School System, from which she graduated.
A devoted woman of faith, Shirley was a longtime member of Shrewsbury Avenue AME Zion Church in Red Bank, NJ, under the leadership of Reverend Charles Born, as well as Pilgrim Baptist Church, pastored by the late Reverend Millard Harris. She later joined the Cliffwood Community Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where she was baptized and received the Holy Spirit under the leadership of the late Bishop James H. Clark. After relocating to Florida, she and her husband continued their faithful service at Greater Dimensions Church, pastored by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pastors Chet and Jean Osborne. She also served at The Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. in Avon Park, FL, under the guidance of Emeritus Apostle Stanley C. Smith, Sr. Additionally, she worked alongside Mother Laura Austin Ministry, contributing to the Ministry of Helps, the prison ministry, and serving as a missionary president.
Over the course of her life, Mother Osborne held numerous positions in the church. She was a gifted soloist, choir director, songwriter, missionary, evangelist, and church mother for several congregations. She also served as the recording and corresponding secretary of the Evangelical Diocese of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ and as President of the Ministers Department.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Leola M. Lewis; her beloved husband, Arthur L. Osborne; her son Alton (Bobo) Palmer and her siblings: Ralph, Jack, Howard, Hobart, George, Andrew (Lewis) Pauline Booker, Leola Williams, Alice Parker, Francis Anderson, Ruth Nicholson and Doris Brown as well as her loving grandson Rasheem Palmer.
She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, Donald and Virgil Lewis (Ramona), She also leaves behind two loving goddaughters, Sharon Nichlson and Monique Nicholson.
Her legacy continues through her daughter, Rhoda Palmer: 5 grandchildren Kelly Harell (Dy’Juan), Anthony Sims, Christopher Sims, Adrien Wright. 11 Great grandchildren Lameir Hill (Unique), Rasheen, Janyah, Sadiq, Emonee, Milei, Ijuan, Chrisaiya, Keith, Legend. She was also blessed with nine great-great-grandchildren.
Additionally, she is survived by her stepdaughters, Audrey Wright, Regina Palmer Green, Alice Dukes, Stepson Malcolm Palmer; along with her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Chet & Jean Osborne (Sebring, FL), Lester & Blonde Osborne (Sebring, FL), Gloria J. Osborne (North Carolina), and Benjamin Osborne (Lake Placid, FL). She also leaves behind a host of loving family, nieces, nephews, special nieces Pauline Booker, Rebecca and Sandra Moore, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish her love, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
Shirley Anne Osborne life was a testament to her faith, love, and dedication to her family and church. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of service and devotion will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
