Obituary

Shirley Trent was born on September 30, 1942, to Walter James Trent and Mary Elizabeth Crump Trent in Cumberland, Virginia.

Shirley accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church at the age of twelve and dedicated her life to the Lord. She served on the Pastor's Aide ministry, several different organizations and participated in other activities in the church. She attended Luther P. Jackson High School, Cumberland, Virginia and furthered her education by obtaining her General Education Diploma from Prince Edward County. She was a certified nursing assistant, specializing in geriatric nursing.

Shirley was a hard and dedicated worker all of her life. She held several jobs, driving a school bus for Cumberland County Schools for twelve years. As a CNA she cared for patients in their homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. She also served as a nursing assistant at Powhatan Correctional Center in Powhatan, Virginia. Additionally, she was a Business Owner and ran Edmonds Medicaid Transportation Service.

Mom lived her life to the fullest and she was a strong woman with the most infectious smile and had an unwavering spirit. She LOVED to sing gospel songs in choirs and often was requested as a soloist at community events. Several of the groups she sang with were, Lamentations Gospel Singers, Montaque Gospel Singers, Reverend Rawland Robinson and the Keys of Heaven, Shirley Lee and the Faithful Few, and Rocky Mount Baptist Church Fellowship Choir.

Shirley enjoyed singing, cooking, traveling, going to church, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and caring for them throughout their lives, even when she moved from Virginia to California to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. She proudly attended all their sporting events and was one of the loudest people in the stands cheering them on! Mom loved making friends everywhere she went. She was dedicated to her church, drove frequently from Northern Virginia to Rocky Mount Baptist Church whenever she was able and brought friends with her from home.

Shirley loved working with Meals on Wheels while living in San Diego, CA, volunteering with San Diego Black Nurses during community outreach events, cooking for the children's ministry at New Creation of San Diego, CA.

She gained her wings on September 16, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Kelvin Lee and John Edmonds; sisters, Arnel Trent, Lucy Trent, Dorothy Trent, Clara Jones, Mandy Trent, and Eva Langhorne; brother, Waverly Trent; grandson, Jaja Abrahm O'Neil, II.

Shirley leaves to cherish fond memories, her devoted daughter, Tonya O'Neil, son-in-love, Jaja O'Neil, Sr; two bonus children, Kevin Lee & Torrey Lee; grandchildren, Jaja Malcolm O'Neil, III, Jaja Kelvin O'Neil, IV, and Jaja Elijah O'Neil, V; bonus grandchildren, Jasmine Baker and Johnathan Baker of Chicago, IL; sisters, Ada Langhorne, and Marion Phelp; brother, Albert Trent, Sr; best friends, daughter, Tonya O'Neil and niece, Betty Jones; special niece, Phyllis Anderson; good friends and family, Dorothy Phillips, Brenda Waithe, Faridah Abdul Latif, and Claudette Trent; close-in-laws, Debbie Edmonds and Colesta Winston; and other relatives and friends.

In Loving Memory of My Dear Mother

There are no words that can truly express the love you gave to me and my family. You poured your whole heart into us, providing a kind of unconditional love that I could always feel. From the very beginning, you were there for me—and you will forever remain a part of my heart. At the end of every phone call, you always said, "I love you," and those words of encouragement throughout my life brought me joy and peace. When I was young, you always kept me safe. Your love was in everything you did—even in the food you prepared that warmed my soul. Not hearing you say, "I love you, baby" anymore fills my eyes with tears, but I know you are always with me. Mom, you were one of the kindest, most sincere, and most beautiful souls I have ever known. I am so honored to have been your daughter. You left a lasting imprint on my heart and helped shape the woman I am today. Through your actions and your words, you showed me how to be a mother to my own children. You were the best Nana they could have ever asked for—your love for them was endless, and anyone who knew you could see they were your pride and joy. From Virginia to California, you were always by my side. I will deeply miss our spa days, shopping adventures, lunches together, and the wonderful moments we shared as a family. You were more than a mother—you were also my best friend.

You were truly one of a kind, and you will be forever missed.

I love you, Mommy

Acknowledgments

The family of Shirley Trent Lee wishes to extend their sincere thanks to everyone for their acts of kindness through your prayers, cards, text messages and phone calls during our time of bereavement. May God bless you and His love be yours to share.»(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)