Shirley Faye Bailey-Pickett was born on May 21, 1953, in Chicago,Illinois, to John Wesley Bailey Sr. and Anne Lee (Ashley) Bailey. The third of tenchildren, she completed her elementary education at Holy Cross Catholic Schooland earned her high school diploma from Visitation Catholic High School.Thereafter, Shirley pursued further education, honing her skills in various trades.She later gained acceptance into the apprenticeship program at the U.S. SteelMill, where she earned her electrician certification.On May 20, 1985, Shirley made history by becoming the first Black femaleelectrician at the Ford Motor Company Torrence Plant. She dedicated 35 yearsto Ford, contributing her expertise and breaking barriers in a male-dominatedfield until her retirement on January 1, 2020.Shirley, affectionately known as 'TT,' was a truly remarkable individual. Intelligent,creative, and a true fashionista, she embodied a unique blend of talentsand passions. Shirley was a woman of many skills, excelling as a nail technician,jeweler, and crocheter. She took immense pride in her work, often showcasing hercreations with confidence and flair.She was the life of every gathering, radiating joy through her laughter and engagingconversations. Shirley had a zest for life, enjoying activities such as skating,horseback riding, dancing, traveling, and visiting casinos. Beyond her vibrantpersonality, she was also a savvy businesswoman and real estate owner.Above all, Shirley cherished her family and was a constant source of love andsupport. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother figure, sister, aunt, and friend,leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her.During her tenure at Ford Motor Company, Shirley met the love of her life,Reverend Oliver Wendell Pickett. The two became inseparable, and it was rareto see one without the other. In 1991, they celebrated their union in holymatrimony in her beloved city, Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the next 24 years, theybuilt a life together filled with harmony, love, and shared passions. Their journeywas marked by travel, cherished experiences, and the joy of doing the things theyloved most.Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Reverend Oliver Wendell Pickett, herfather John Wesley Bailey Sr., her mother Anne Lee Bailey (Ashley), her brotherDavid Dwight Bailey, maternal grandfather Joe Ashley, maternal grandmotherDaisy Lee Ashley (Gaines); and, a host of aunts and uncles.She leaves to cherish in her memory six sisters: Carolyn Olivia Bailey, Rosalyn R.Bailey-Hardison, Paula Anita Minefee, Paulette Wright (Dr. Lester), DemetriousLynn Bailey and Karen Denise Beard (Bailey). Her two brothers: John WesleyBailey Jr. (Hazel) and Angie Carl Bailey (Rosetta).Shirley leaves two aunts, Elizabeth Wishups and Mary Stanton and a hostof nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends