Shirley Elizabeth Brown Rice was the only child born to the late Viola Brown Queen and the late Walter Leake on Wednesday, March 15, 1944 in Washington, D.C.

Shirley was raised by her mother, and the late Henry Queen. She is the oldest of five, Ronald Queen, Leslie Leake, Sandra Wilmore, Carolyn Leake and Helen Ann Harvey.

She attended Prince George's County Public Schools and after graduating began her career in the medical field, working at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. and other medical facilities. She continued her education at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, Maryland.

Shirley enjoyed fishing, crabbing, summer cookouts with family and friends, gospel shows, traveling, especially following her favorite football team, The Washington Redskins. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and dearly loved and enjoyed her grandchildren. One of her favorite sayings was "A House Is Not A Home Unless There Are Children in the Home" and her favorite song was "Shake It Fast"

She was actively involved in the Fun Bunch Social Club and would help anyone that needed help. She was also an active member of the Shiloh Community United Methodist Church in Newburg, Maryland.

Peacefully on Friday, February 26, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, Shirley transitioned to eternal life receiving her wings at the University of Maryland, Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland. In addition to her parents, Viola Brown Queen, Walter Leake and Henry Queen, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Leake.

Shirley leaves to cherish loving memories with her devoted husband of fifteen years, Joseph C. Rice; three daughters, Tamela, Paulette and Jacklyn Brown; ten grandchildren, James, Tomikia, Tiauna, Tyeasha, La Toya, Derek, Ebony, Tiffany, Tiara and Carlton; twenty great grandchildren; brothers, Ronald Queen and Leslie Leake; sisters, Sandra Wilmore and Helen Ann Harvey; cousin, Margaret Powell; special friends, Edna Mae Wills, Peggy Brown, Barbara Johnson, Preston and Cheryl Long, Paula Sweetney, Ruth Miller, Joy Miller, Pastor Charlene Mc Camey, Dave and Mae Vine, John Robinson and her caretaker, Sylvia Meredith and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9:00am until 10:30am, Celebration of Life, 11:00am, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Shiloh Community United Methodist Church, 12705 Shiloh Church Road, Newburg, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery. Arrangements provide by Thornton Funeral Home.