Shirley Mae Lockwood

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” II Timothy 4:7
Mrs. Shirley Mae Lockwood, age 87 departed this life and entered eternal rest on August 17, 2026, while in the presence of loved ones at her home. She was born August 20, 1938, in Washington, North Carolina to the late Hester Reddick Guilford and John Brown.

Shirley was educated in the Beauford County School System in Washington, NC and later re-located to Maryland where she was employed by Hudson Foods in Berlin and Commander Hotel and Suites in Ocean City. For the past thirty years she worked at Worcester County Developmental Center in Newark, Maryland as a Therapeutic Foster Parent. She dedicated her life caring for children in her home, showing unconditional love, compassion and parental guidance.

Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt and friend. She gave what she had unselfishly and exemplified what it meant to be hospitable and show love to strangers and everyone with whom she came in contact. Shirley always gave so much and asked for little in return.

She was very humble and lived life to the fullest. Her loving personality, laughter and warm smile were infectious. She enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, feeding others and traveling. Her favorite song was, “If I’m too High Lord, Please Bring Me Down”.

Shirley was preceded in death by four sisters: Mary Spencer, District Missionary Naomi Williams, Vivian Little and Betty Guilford; five brothers: James Reddick, Robert Guilford, Richard Guilford, Victor Guilford and William Guilford, Son: Allen Jerome Little, Granddaughter: Michelle Brown and three Brother-in-Laws: David Lockwood, Superintendent Jesse Williams, Sr. and Sgt. John Spencer.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: Husband, George Lockwood; Four Daughters: Barbara Little of Fayetteville, NC, Eleanor Booker (Milton) of Durham, NC, Vanessa Baldwin of Berlin, MD and Debra Clemmons (Jerry) of Washington, NC, Two Sons: Sherman Little, Jr. (Sharon) Raleigh, NC and
George Sessoms (Sherry) of Berlin, MD; Sister-in Laws: Rev. Helen Lockwood of Berlin, MD, Rosa Smith of Raleigh, NC, Delores Grady of Ft. Washington, MD and Evelyn Guilford of Washington, NC, Brother-In Laws: William Little of Philadelphia, PA and Francis Lockwood of MD, Grandchildren: LaMarcus Little, Sr (Latisha), Daniel Little, Sr., Derrick Daniels, Joshua Booker, Sr., Demetrius Booker, Tasha Little, Keisha Boone, Danielle Booker, Andrea Daniels, Whitney Smith, Sherri Smith, Shannon Nelson, Andre, Deyontae, Malakai, Kiondra, Shaneeka and Zelaya; 18 Great-Grandchildren, 10 Great-Great Grandchildren, Cousin; Ann Brown Whitley of Washington, NC. Best friends: Ozella Williams (James) of Berlin, MD, Portia Purnell and Barbara Purnell of Berlin, MD, Extended Family: Gwendolyn Harris of DE, Lois Person of Fayetteville, NC, Gloria Snowden of Berlin, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors.