Shirley E. Feaster (McDonald) went home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2022, at the age of 64. She was born in Akron Ohio on June 5, 1958, to Mary McDonald-Buckner and the late Kenneth McDonald.

Shirley (or "Mom") graduated from Buchtel High School in Akron, OH class of 1977. She later earned her associate degree at the University of Akron, where she studied early childhood development. Mom thought of herself as a country girl, but really was an Akron girl. She lived in Akron-Copley and spent the bulk of her professional career at Akron Children's Hospital, and the University of Akron, in administration. She was a member at the Gathering of Christ Church.

Shirley was driven to use her gifts and talents to serve Christ, her Lord and Savior. She'd often recall walking to church by herself as a young girl. Perhaps this inspired her to volunteer as a children's ministry instructor and church secretary. Mom's love of service, and dedication to positively impacting kids was fierce. One of her co-workers at Akron Children's Hospital shared, "[Shirley] was an amazing tiny lady …she was 10x taller than she looked". She enjoyed volunteering for fundraisers, such as the Akron Children's Hospital's Radiothon. And her children fondly remember her chaperoning fieldtrips through the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) and Upward Bound.

Outside of work and church, Shirley proudly wore the titles of Wife, Mother, Grammy, Auntie and Daughter. She cherished birthdays and family gatherings. She was frequently the life of the party – snappin' her fingers, singing, and dancing to gospel and R&B (along with her favorite Auntie, Gwendolyn Gulley). Mom was a caregiver for her own mother. Whether she was sharing vegetables from her garden, or a bottle of her famous 'Mama's Oil', Shirley constantly sought to be a blessing to others. And she was always in someone's business! Her kids joke about her self-proclaimed 'dipping licenses', or her right to participate in other's conversations without invitation. But at her core, Mom was curious and desired truth, knowledge, and understanding. She was learning to read and write Hebrew. If you visited Shirley, you were guaranteed to leave with a hot plate, and an ear full of advice. In the evenings, she enjoyed watching western films with her husband Fred, and their two dogs.

Shirley's reach and impact spanned far beyond what she knew. In 2014 Shirley appeared in the award-winning documentary, Finding the Gold Within. In one of the film's scenes, she's shown listening and counseling her youngest son, as he confesses the struggles of leaving for college. The film's Director shared how Shirley's love and tenderness has resonated with viewers across the country. In those moments, Shirley represented all black mothers. She portrayed a grace and warmth not often attributed to black mothers.

Mom spent her personal time mastering her sewing craft. She was inspired by unique fabrics, and blended styles, and challenged herself to hand craft the outfits she dreamed of. She made beautiful things. It wasn't unusual to compliment one of her dresses, and getting the response, "I made this all by myself!" Mom relished in showing-off portions of her in-progress dresses – one piece at a time. Sometimes a sleeve, or a zipper. Always followed with by, "now ain't that sharp?"

Shirley was silly yet thoughtful, gentle yet strong, elegant and wise. Her greatest legacy is the magnificent mosaic of children and family she assembled, stitched together with affection, and embroidered with faith. Words cannot describe the depths to which she is missed by her loved ones. She is survived by her husband Fred L. Feaster Jr., mother Mary McDonald-Buckner, children Taleya (Sheldon) Costa-Bell, Brittney (Jermyrin) Miller, Alexander Costa, Brandyn Costa, Ashleigh Feaster, Fred L. Feaster III, LaToyia (Charles) Cooper Jenkins, and puppies Tymothy Darnell and Freedah Mae.

Grandchildren: Sheldon Bell Jr, Tiahna Reed, Taylor Hood, Ka'Meel Hood, Cyndei Jenkins, Je'Mya Miller, Jemyrin Miller and Aliyah Costa. Great Grandchildren: Sheldon, Ahmari, Noah, Jonah and Krue. Siblings: Sharon (Bill) Fryer and Darryl McDonald. And host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. MASK ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL SERVICES