Shirley Speed was born on December 4, 1953, to Elizabeth Jennings and Grant Speed. She was the second youngest of eight children.

Shirley was raised in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended Hayes Elementary, Porter Junior High and graduated from Taft High School in 1973. While in high school, she held the position of class president and was a majorette. Upon graduation, Shirley attended the University of Cincinnati, where she was studying to become a legal secretary. In addition to her academic pursuit, she also modeled.

Shirley was a clerk typist II with the city of Cincinnati. She retired in 2007 after 30 years of dedicated service. Shirley was a loving, nurturing, protective mother to her two children, Ebony and Jason, whom she affectionally referred to as "Eb" and "Jay". Her love for her children was selfless as she frequently sacrificed and went without to ensure the wants and needs of her children were met. Shirley embodied and modeled the definition of unconditional maternal love. Her unwavering love was also poured upon her grand and great-grandchildren. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends

She was and will continue to be known for her smooth skin with its ageless dark complexion, inner and outer beauty, bright wide smile displaying radiant pearly whites, the way her presence would alter the energy in any room, her warm and welcoming demeanor, her loudness, knowledge, and her infamous one liners, such as "Shirley's in the house". She found enjoyment in listening, singing, and dancing to music, playing the lottery and bingo, travelling, watching and rooting for the Bengals, festive dressing, partying, and living life.

Shirley was preceded in death by and reunites with her son, Cornelius; mother, Elizabeth; father, Grant; siblings, Gloria Jean (William), Larry, Diane, and William (Jessie); grandmother, Curtis Holder; aunt, Charlie Mae; cousin, Jerry; nephews, June and Marvin; and great-nephew, Alex.

She leaves behind to honor and cherish her memories and continue her legacy: her children, Ebony and Jason; her grandchildren, Ja'Naia, Ka'Marra, E'Mya, Amari, Kelis, Jaycee, and Jaxston; great-grandchildren, Navier and Azana. She also leaves her siblings, Nancy, Linda, and Edward; cousin, Gayle; special friends, the O'Neals, Elaine, Valerie, Barbara, and Deborah; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, bonus daughters, sons, and grandchildren, former co-workers, and friends.

Visitation is from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on  Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

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

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Stutson family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.