“In Loving Memory of Shirley E. Brayboy”
On October 19, 2026, our beloved Shirley E. Brayboy answered the Lord’s call, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, service, and compassion.
Born on June 18, 1950, in Newark, New Jersey, Shirley was the daughter of Bessie Smith and Hasting Smith Sr. Throughout her 76 years of life, she devoted herself to uplifting others, strengthening her community, and spreading love wherever she went.
Shirley was a respected community leader, mentor, and advocate. As a founder of the Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee of Hampton County and an active supporter of the NAACP of South Carolina, she worked tirelessly to promote equality, unity, and opportunity for others.
Her dedication to service extended through her work with the Hampton County Disabilities Board and more than 26 years of service at the Ridgeland Department of Corrections, where she encouraged, guided, and mentored countless individuals, including fellow correctional officers and young professionals.
Shirley was also recognized for her poetry during Black History Month, reflecting her passion for history, creativity, and inspiring others through words. She believed in the power of encouragement and always sought to help young adults achieve their dreams.
Above all, Shirley was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her faith and love for family remained the foundation of her life. She was a cherished member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, where her Christian values were reflected through her kindness and service to others.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her beloved husband, Kenneth Brayboy Sr. ; her loving children, James L. Smith, Jametta L. Washington (Tyrone), Starklen T. Smith (Veronica), Shameka M. Lessane (Sherman) , Aretha S. Lewis, and Marcus M. Lewis (Tagemara) ; one brother, Hasting Smith Jr.; one sister, Ida Williams; one uncle, Johnny Hayes; two aunts, Annie Rivers & Mary Grant; 19 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, her Mt. Siana Baptist Church family, and the Body of Christ.
The community of Varnville, South Carolina, has lost an extraordinary woman whose kindness, wisdom, and dedication touched generations. Shirley believed that love should always be at the center of everything, and she lived that belief every day.
Though she is no longer with us physically, her legacy will continue through the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared.
She did not simply live in her community; she helped shape it.
Forever loved. Forever cherished. Forever remembered.
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13
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