Shirley Ham was born on January 7, 1953, in Cincinnati Ohio. On October 30, 2020, at the age of 67, Shirley was found deceased in her home after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her mother Maggie Ham, sister Pamela Ham, and her brothers: Larry and Walter Ham.

Blind since birth, Shirley achieved only partial sight in her left eye following a number of surgeries. A client of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind since the sixth grade, she used braille, large print materials, and magnifying glasses during her school years and throughout her adult years in her career as a social worker.

Shirley faced life's challenges with a smile and a determination that made her the heroine of her story. She reached a tremendous milestone when she was graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1979 with a baccalaureate degree in social work.  Following her graduation, Shirley was a youth worker with Cincinnati Union Bethel before working at The Salvation Army, Family Services Bureau. She worked as a Head Start Counselor and more recently as a Family Counselor at Cincinnati Action Agency. Shirley often remarked, "I always dreamed of graduating from college and doing something constructive to help other people."

A passionate lover of music, Shirley collected hundreds of old 33 rpm records from a wide variety of artists from the Beach Boys to Marvin Gaye to Frank Sinatra to Kiss. She played guitar and enjoyed performing piano recitals up until last year. Her love for scary movies and programs watched late at night was well known.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to The Cincinnati Association for the Blind, 2045 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202 cincyblind.org

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on  Saturday, November 14, 2020, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 745 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati  (45203).   The Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Interment will follow at Crown Hill Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 11825 Pippin Road, Colerain Township, Ohio 45231.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Shirley or leave a special message for the Ham family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Ham family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.