Shirley Ann Collins was born on April 9, 1939, in Georgetown, Guyana. She was the second of two children born to Charles Fields (deceased) and Eloise Haiacent Collins (1914–2004), and she shared her early childhood with her beloved older brother, Michael Fields (c.1936–2009).

Shirley later welcomed additional siblings through her mother, Eloise with Eurel Santo Llewellyn Moore (1911–1949), Eloise had Hyacinth Moore, born in 1940. She then welcomed three more children with the late Bertie Butts: Iris, born in 1947; Berkeley (1951–1998); and Brenda (1953–2010).

Shirley spent much of her formative childhood in Manchester, Corentyne, where she was lovingly cared for by her maternal grandmother, Betsey Ann McAuley-Collins (1890–1973). Around the age of 19, she reunited with her mother in Georgetown, a meaningful moment that helped shape the path of her young adulthood.

In her early twenties, Shirley met Clinton Barker (1944–2024), and together they welcomed their daughter, Debra Ann Elizabeth, in August 1963. Her second and last child, Don Grenardo, was born in February 1975 during her union with Edward Grenardo. Throughout her working years, Shirley served the Georgetown City Council as a Sanitation Worker, carrying out her responsibilities with humility and perseverance.

Outside of work, Shirley found comfort and joy in the simple things that warmed her heart. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches, and any activity that challenged her intellect. She also loved listening to Christian music—especially the songs of her favorite artist, Zach Williams—whose messages of faith, hope, and redemption spoke deeply to her spirit. Her love for God was the foundation of her life. She prayed often, worshipped with sincerity, and carried a quiet but unwavering faith that inspired those around her.

Shirley was also known for her warmth and the way she filled a home with love. She was a wonderful cook, preparing meals that brought her family together and made everyone feel welcomed and cared for. Her laughter was contagious, lighting up any room she entered, and she had a gift for listening—truly listening—in a way that made people feel understood, supported, and deeply loved.

Shirley's legacy continues through the lives of her children, Debra and Don; her grandchildren Colene, Jermaine, Samantha, Tamara, Rebekah, Donisha, Don Jr., and Danika; and her great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Aaron, Alliyah, Zoey, Abigail, Lucy, and Hunter. She is also survived by her sisters, Hyacinth and Iris.

Her memory also lives on through her many nieces and nephews:

From Hyacinth: Donald, Colin, Raymond, Joseph, Celesté, and Deborah

From Iris: Dawn, Michelle, Esan, and Nkechi

From Berkeley: Kevin, Julian, and Samantha

From Brenda: DeVaughn and Kareem

Shirley will be dearly missed not only by her immediate family, but also by her extended family, including her son-in-law Keith, her daughter-in-law Donnett, and many other relatives who cherished her deeply.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted in knowing that Shirley is now at rest—safe, at peace, and held in the loving embrace of God, our Father and Savior. Her kindness, her strength, and her gentle spirit will live on in all of us who loved her.