Shirley Lake

With heavy hearts and fond memories we bid farewell to Shirley Lake, who passed away on April 2, 2024. Born Shirley Williams on July 15, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, her life was an inspirational melody of love, resilience, and grace that touched everyone who knew her. As George Eliot once said, "What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?" Shirley embodied this sentiment throughout her life, making a profound impact on all the lives she touched. Shirley was a beacon of strength and compassion, a woman who lived her life selflessly, always putting others before herself. She was an extraordinary homemaker, creating a warm and inviting home that was often filled with laughter, love, and the heavenly aroma of her delicious meals. Shirley's home was not merely a residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a sanctuary, a place where everyone was welcome, where every visitor felt like family. She is survived by her beloved children, Cassandra Foster and Anthony Lake, and her dear sister, Gloria Hughes. Shirley's love for her family was unparalleled. Their happiness was her happiness. Her love was a guiding light that continues to shine bright in their hearts. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Samie Jr., and their cherished daughter, Pamela Terrell. She was also predeceased by her parents, Willie Williams Sr. and Lillie White, her siblings, Willie Jr., Bernice Williams, Mary Williams, Lorraine Williams, Loretta Williams, Charles Williams, Raymond Williams, and Patricia Hodge. A visitation for Shirley will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1:00pm EDT, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm EDT at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, located at 3627 Linden Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548. The memorial service can also be viewed via live stream at https://michigancremation.com/obituaries/shirley-lake. In the words of Albert Pine, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Shirley’s legacy of love and selflessness will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of those she touched. We encourage friends and family to share their memories and upload photos of Shirley to the memorial page. The pain of losing her is immense, but the joy she brought into our lives is even greater. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate her life, remembering the love she shared, the warmth she radiated, and the wisdom she imparted. Shirley Lake will forever be remembered, forever missed, and forever loved. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Lake, please visit our flower store.