Shirley Dolores Silkwood

Shirley Silkwood, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at Bedford Care Center of Petal with her family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love and loyalty touched everyone who knew her.

Shirley was born February 6, 1942, to the late Wilson and Dolores Moore. Shirley was married to her doting husband, Rayburn on March 9, 1957. They were married for 64 wonderful years before his passing, and together they built a beautiful life in Long Beach, MS, centered around faith and family. Shirley was known for her servants heart, and she served the gulf coast in many roles over the years. She started her career at Gulf National Bank, and later worked for Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union and Regions Bank, also serving faithfully as church secretary for Pass Road Baptist Church and New Covenant Church and School, before retiring after giving 13 years with the City of Long Beach Water Department. She was the proud mother of three children and found immeasurable joy in her growing family, which included six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom she loved and cherished deeply. Shirley also shared a close and loving bond with her two sisters and brother, Brenda, Netta, and Mike, treasuring the memories and connection they built throughout their lives together.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Raburne Silkwood and son, Donald Ray Silkwood. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Netta Jackson.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Sherri (Neil), and Melissa (Robbie), as well as her daughter-in-law, Mary. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christy (Josh), Donald Jr. (Jennifer), Rebekah (Jason), Jason, Madisson (B.J.), and Emily; great grandchildren, Tanner, Ansley, Haleigh, Peyton, Gracie, Hannah, Katie, Kennedy, Laura Lane, and Maggie Belle, as well as her great-great grandchild, Brenleigh. Shirley’s remaining siblings include Mike Moore and Brenda (Herschel) Dubuisson.

A devout Christian woman, Shirley’s love for Jesus Christ and the Word of God guided every aspect of her life. She dutifully shared her faith with everyone she encountered, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and kindness. Her unwavering belief and strong spirit served as an inspiration to many.

She had a special passion for interior decorating and gardening, and she was especially known for her remarkable green thumb. Whether tending to flowers, nurturing plants, or making a house feel like a warm and welcoming home, Shirley brought beauty and comfort wherever she went. It was a well known fact that if you walked into her kitchen on any given Sunday, you would be greeted by the aroma of roast, rice and gravy, her special recipe that no one else could ever emulate.

Among her greatest companions were her beloved dogs — Rocky, Chester, Shelty, Chloe and Leia — who brought her endless joy and comfort over the years.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, Mississippi.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Gulf Pines Cemetery in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, Shirley’s love, faith, and memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now resting peacefully alongside her husband and son in the presence of her Savior.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at Bedford Care Center of Petal as well as Alden Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care for their compassionate care and support over the last three years. Many of whom, became like family while always providing dignity, gentle hands, and loving hearts.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the family.