Shirley Hopson Young was born on December 26, 1937, in Kemper County, Mississippi, to Cozie Hopson and Stella Burton Hopson. Shirley was an athletic, dedicated student who loved basketball and was a talented player at Porterville Attendance Center.

After graduating from high school, Shirley enrolled at Harris Junior College. She attended for one year before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio, where she lived with her Aunt Minnie and Aunt Pinkie. Shirley later met and married James Anderson, and from that union her son,
Eric Von was born. After that marriage ended, she met and married Frank Redd, and to that union her second son, Frank, was born.
Shirley relocated to Los Angeles, California, shortly before the passing of Frank Redd. In 1971, Shirley met and married Willie Young. In 1972, Shirley and Willie moved to Pomona, California, where they enjoyed RV camping, fishing, and spontaneous road trips sometimes traveling as far as Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

In 1991, Willie and Shirley moved to Rancho Cucamonga, California, where they began teaching Bible study and serving in couples' ministry. In 2007, they moved to DeSoto, Texas, and discovered Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, where they faithfully served in the Costume and Sewing Ministry. Shirley and Willie also joined a couples' ministry led by James and Chantel Conley, which included classes, special outings, jazz concerts, and memorable trips including travel as far as Cancún, Mexico.

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and worshipped at St. John Primitive Baptist Church in Kemper County, Mississippi, before relocating and
beginning her adult life.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Willie Young; her son Frank and his wife, Monique; her grandchildren Mercedes, Amber, Frank IV, and Joshua; her great-grandchildren Alec, Ariel, Solo, and Zion; her brother Tony Hubbard and his wife, Addie; her sister Barbara and her husband, Marvin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.