Shirley Temple Ackerman Brown

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”—Proverbs 31:10

On February 23, 1935, Franklin Leroy Ackerman and Fannie Copeland Ackerman was blessed with the first baby girl of their growing family, Shirley Temple Ackerman. Shirley received her formal education in the public schools of Colleton County. Despite setbacks during her matriculation through school, she was blessed to receive her high school diploma. Shirley was gainfully employed as a seamstress at the dress factory in Smoaks for many years and worked until her retirement. Following her retirement, she enjoyed her time being a wife and a homemaker.  

Around 1952, Shirley met the love of her life, Earnest “EJ” Brown. On April 3, 1954, they were joined in marital bliss and enjoyed sixty-seven years of love together. Shirley lived a life of love and service. She was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, White Hall Chapter #132. Mother Brown was a faithful member of Zion A.M.E. Church where she served in several capacities, to include singing on the choir and serving as a stewardess. Shirley was an impeccable cook, she enjoyed cooking for her family. You could always show up and find a meal at Shirley’s. She loved her family. Rather it was family reunions, cook-outs or just a dinner outing, she loved quality family time. She loved traveling domestically and abroad. Mother Brown was often very quiet and humble, but if you ruffled her too much, she would set you straight and gracefully return to her sweet, quiet demeanor. She enjoyed the sport of fishing and would often be seen at the creek with her sister-in-law, Queen Ester or her cousin, Marie. Shirley’s beautiful smile and her love she expressed to everyone will never be forgotten. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Frank, Carl, Johnny, Fruitin, Tom, Riddic, Daisy, Mary, Miriam, Jacqueline and Robert; her husband, Earnest and one son, Johnny. 

Those left behind to cherish her loving memory and legacy, her loving children, Ernest Brown (Ellen), New York, New York, Shelia Bell of the home, step-daughter, Rhonda Mitchell, Walterboro, South Carolina; a niece she helped raise, Gloria Jean Robinson (Jacob); a granddaughter raised as a daughter, Tarosa Brown, Charlotte, North Carolina; grandsons raised as her sons, Sheldon Brown, Hendersonville, South Carolina and Dwayne Brown, Bronx, New York and Ortagus Bell of Yemassee, South Carolina; eleven grandchildren; forty- six great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; her last sibling, Oscar Ackerman (Sharleen), Seattle, Washington; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Servant of God , Well Done!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Temple Ackerman Brown, please visit our floral store.