Dr. Shirley M. Sebree

As the universe unfolded through the years and the character of mankind was formed, a genuine personality was molded and shaped, and out came one of GOD'S chosen vessels, Shirley Mae Gray. Shirley Mae Gray was born May 4, 1937, the second of three children to Sully Gray and Myrtle Rice. Shirley was born and raised in Princeton, Kentucky. Shirley grew up in a loving family who surrounded her with all she needed to excel in life and become all she was destined to be. Upon completing high school, Shirley attended Kentucky State University where she earned a B.A. Degree in Music Education. While there, she met Mr. James Sebree, and their courtship blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted for 61 years. Once completing her undergraduate studies, Shirley and her husband moved to Toledo, Ohio where they both taught in the Toledo School system for over 30 years. Shirley would eventually earn a M.A. Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Education from the University of Toledo. She also became an author of two books. Shirley was a faithful servant and devoted her time to serving at Third Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio where she was choir director, pianist and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. She was loved by her students and community a beacon of light to everyone she met. Shirley was a lover of horses and musicals. She and her husband were world travelers having visited all fifty states and touched down upon all 7 continents. Her favorite paradise being the Hawaiian Islands. This beautiful and earthly journey of Shirley Mae Sebree came to a close on Tuesday evening February 01, 2022 in Novi, Michigan, fulfilling the scripture 2nd Corinthians 5:1 "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven." She is preceded in death by her mother (Myrtle Rice), father (Sully Gray), and brothers (Robert and James Gray). Shirley leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband (James Sebree) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special note to her loving caregiver, Tony, with deep love and forever gratefulness, thank you for everything you’ve done.

Dr. Shirley M. Sebree

May 4, 1937 - February 1, 2022