Shirley Ann Langford

Early Thursday morning, April 20, 2017, Shirley Ann Wilson Langford transitioned to her eternal life. “Shirley Ann” was a caring and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born to loving parents Samuel Haywood Wilson, Sr. and Annie Mary Jones Wilson on September 10, 1948. She was the oldest of three children. Shirley grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She graduated from Union Kempsville High School, attended Norfolk State University, and did graduate work at Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. Shirley's career began as a secretary at a law firm in Norfolk, VA, and transitioned to a similar role at Norfolk Southern Railway. In the 1970s Shirley moved to Northern Virginia where she worked for several years at ManTech International Corporation. In recent years, Shirley worked for General Dynamics as a a government contractor for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Shirley was highly respected as a consistently hard-working and dedicated employee in each of these roles due to her self-discipline, focus, and reliability. She perceived problems as opportunities for innovation, a mindset reflected in her creative approach to obstacles, which garnered her a reputation for meeting deadlines and getting her job done professionally. In addition to her success at work, Shirley loved the Northern Virginia area and served her community through several professional, civic, political, and personal organizations. She played an active role in Toastmasters International, earning the honor of Distinguished Toastmaster and serving in several positions at various levels of the organization. She was a member of both the NAACP and National Urban League and attended other civic and political meetings. She was also a successful real estate agent and entrepreneur. Among her various occupations were Professional Closet Organizer, Certified Life Coach, Nutritionist, and Professional Trainer. Shirley and Otis were married on April 16, 1983. She loved and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, nephew, and godchildren. She taught all of her children self-respect and how to deal with life’s ups and downs. She was a great mentor to others, including her younger siblings Sandra and Samuel, with a kind and spirited heart and a willingness to provide others the benefit of her experience and wisdom. She was an independent thinker who spoke from the heart and did not waver in her commitments and loyalties. She talked easily with people of all backgrounds and levels of status or accomplishment, but did not hesitate to deliver the unvarnished truth. Anyone who knew her knew she called it like she saw it. She was unflinching in confronting life’s challenges. Shirley was petite in stature but gigantic in heart, and touched so many lives with her smile and a certain feistiness that made her unique and loveable. Shirley delighted in traveling, dancing, going to the movies, and listening to gospel music. She had a sense of fashion and style of her own. Shirley was a strong advocate of physical fitness and had a regular exercise routine. She was meticulous about housekeeping and cleanliness. She loved her home, which she and Otis made open and welcoming to family and friends. While her culinary skills would never win any medals, she was not shy about using a caterer or asking friends to bring their favorite recipes, which they were always happy to do. The ambiance, warmth, and hospitality of the home with Shirley's passion for people far exceeded the menu. Some of her favorite foods were deviled eggs, seafood, and sweet potato pie. She was directionally challenged and GPS was invented for people like her. She had a delightful sense of humor and was an engaging storyteller. Shirley was raised in a Christian family. She joined the church at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In 1982, Shirley joined Alfred Street Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until she departed this life. While there, she was a member of the Psalms of Praise Choir, Disciple Group 23, and the Trustee Committee. She also served with the Brother’s Keeper mission and as a Vacation Bible School Teacher. Her faith remained strong and steadfast, even during the darkest days of her illness (sarcoidosis). She never complained or was ever heard to ask, “why me?” She died peacefully during her long recovery from double-lung transplant surgery. Left to cherish her memory: a loving and devoted husband Otis W. Langford, Jr.; four precious children, twins John Evans and Michael Evans (wife Michelle) of Tacoma, WA; Kimberly Evans Barrett (husband Prince) of Chesapeake, VA; Patrick Langford of Alexandria, VA; step-son, Otis M. Langford of Los Angeles, CA; nephew, Christopher Rodgers of Norfolk, VA; four beautiful grandchildren, Jamie Evans, Alicia Soules, Teila Evans, and Kyara Barrett; brother, Samuel Wilson, Jr.; sister-in-law Jan London (husband Harvey); and a host of loving relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sandra Ann Harper. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Alfred Street Baptist Church Visitation 11 am Service 12 pm Interment: Quantico National Cemetery

Shirley Ann Langford

September 10, 1948 - April 20, 2017