Shirley Anne (Wadlington) Harris

Shirley Harris was born Shirley Anne Wadlington on June 24, 1947 as the eldest daughter of Robert H. Wadlington and Mary L. Wadlington.  She was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana a product of a good home and a beautiful loving family on both sides of her parents.

Shirley was a descendant of Church leadership and legacy at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on West 16^th St, where the foundation of GOD was planted in our family by Robert and Mary Wadlington. Both served proudly and profoundly as staples and officers in Mt. Olive for over 30+ years for Men’s Ministry, Ushering, Women’s Ministry and several other committees that the church sponsored. The spirit of Christ transcended down through both Shirley and her younger sister, Betty Jean Wadlington who passed that love of GOD and Christ to their children. Shirley accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age and was baptized at Mt. Olive by Rev. H.T. Toliver.

She attended Indianapolis Public School #43 and journeyed on to graduate from Shortridge High School in 1964, where she met lifelong friends: Gloria, Helen and Shirley creating a bond that would last her entire lifetime. Eventually continuing on with her education to graduate Business College with her Undergraduate in Business Administration in 1969 where she excelled and was recommended for a position at then Model Cities Community Center as an Administration lead. In 1979 Shirley accepted a position with Marion County Superior Court where she was an Officer of the Courts at the City County Building for Superior Court 5 for over 20 years. Shirley’s work ethic quickly made her a household name in Superior 5 where she took over as the Chair Representative for all court reporters in the City County Building for 3 years.

Shirley was married in October of 1966 and became Shirley A. Harris. She then brought into existence two wonderful and loving children: her oldest son, Jeffrey and her baby daughter, Kelly. The three of them were the “Three Amigos”. As any great mother would do, she supported, fended and at most times did without to ensure that her children had what they needed and supported activities they were involved in. Along the way in tough times Shirley, along with great friends who became family, enriched our lives in ways we never believed would come to fruition. She was engaged in everything from band practice, tuba lessons, candy drives, track and Taekwondo practice and tournaments. However, NEVER compromising values and discipline as a mother.

She was key and ABSOLUTLEY instrumental in the development of her children and grandchildren as she helped shepherd them all to honored careers in Military service and college graduate with honors, esteemed nursing careers and eventually to watch her grandchildren walk across stages with high school and college diplomas. Yes, this was all due to her perseverance and unbounding love for her offspring to see them through to successful lives. All the while supporting Taekwondo matches and tournaments, athletic practices and all other miscellaneous popups. This ultimately culminated in her being named in 2007 “Grandmother Of The Year” by Level 10 Taekwondo Martial Arts Training Academy. Another example of her commitment to family and being a key part of making things happen for her loved ones and those she cared for.

Shirley had many friends and in her “Whoop/Whoop” era she enjoyed spending time with each of them going out, having fun at house parties and family events were always heavily attended with the huge amount of family and friends.

Shirley Anne Harris passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 8^, 2021 in her home at age 74 with family close by with loving support around her ALWAYS. She is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Harris (Bridgette) and Kelly Harris; grandchildren: Felicia Harris, Jordan Harris, Monica and Monique Spells; step-grandchildren: James Langston-Harris, Taryn Levels, Blake Washington and Brice Washington; sister, Betty Jean Wadlington; nephew, Bernard Miller; niece, April Hood; lifelong friends also known as her “ride or die”: Gloria Jean Maxey-Martin, Bonita Edison, Shirley Higgins, Shirley Hyter and Freda White.