Shirley P. Thomas, 67, of Philadelphia, passed away on December 17, 2021. She was born in Philadelphia on August 28, 1954 to the late Viola Mae Bland.

After 26 years of serving as the executive director of the Urban League of Philadelphia (CCIS Northwest) she retired and embarked upon the next chapter in her life. Shirley joined the staff of the Arden Theater as an Organizational Development Consultant, where she found tremendous joy working in the arts. Shirley lived a life of service. She was committed to motivating and inspiring the marginalized. She believed that education was a pathway to success. To that end she created the Shirley P. Thomas Scholarship Fund for students who needed encouragement to achieve their goals.

Shirley is survived by her siblings Beatrice L. Turnipseed (Eugene), Samuel D. Thomas (Cereta), and Tanya Vaughn-Patterson (Lawrence); dear friends Stephanie Copes, Jakki Browner, and Yvonne Fletcher; and a host of loving family and friends.

Details of a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made, in memory of Shirley, to the Shirley P. Thomas Scholarship Fund at Philadelphia Community College.

"A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered."