Shirley Esther Charles

Shirley Esther Charles, departed this world peacefully on September 18,2025 at the age of 89. A loving mother, sister, friend, a woman of great faith, ambition, and strength—her presence will be deeply missed.

Shirley, was born in Panama to the late Benjamin and Miriam Evans and was the third of five siblings. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Miriam Evans and three siblings (sister) Helen Sylvia Grant Evans (Panama); (brother) Alfred Evans Sr. (Panama), and (sister) Lynn Evans Suarez Diaz (El Paso, Texas). She leaves one surviving sister; Mrs. Myrtle Council of Newport News, Virginia.

Shirley grew up on the Panama Canal Zone and attended La Boca High School. She played softball on a semi-professional league and was very active in her community and church. At the age of 22, Shirley immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. Her journey began in upstate Monticello, New York in 1959 where she worked as a domestic for a family. She later moved on to Brooklyn, NY in the early 1960’s where she found community, married, and grew her family over the years; later moving to Queens Village, NY.

Shirley had a total of four children: Sheila, Maxine, Anthony, and Chantee.

Shirley worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank on Dunn and BradStreet until July 1976 after the birth of her youngest daughter.

In April 1984, Shirley relocated her family from Queens Village, NY to Arlington, VA.

Shirley dedicated over 20 years to the hospitality industry, where her high standards, tireless dedication, and natural leadership made her a pillar in her role. Shirley approached ,all tasks not just with professionalism, but with pride, ensuring every space she oversaw reflected care and excellence. Shirley retired from the hospitality industry in the late 1990’s.

But beyond her work, Shirley will be remembered most for her strong faith in God and fierce loyalty and devotion to those she loved. She protected her family with unwavering strength— standing as a steady force through life’s challenges. Whether with words of wisdom, acts of service, or simply her constant presence, she made sure those around her always felt loved, safe, and supported. Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. To know her was to love her.  Shirley was an excellent cook whose culinary skills often drew many around her kitchen table. Sunday dinners were a mainstay; and whatever she was cooking, rice and peas with smothered chicken, arroz con pollo, bacalao, plantains, or many of her other delights, you were sure to be in for a treat. Shirley also loved to play bingo with her friends.

Shirley leaves to mourn, Four Children: (Daughter) Mrs. Sheila Alexis (Irwin Alexis) of Sarasota, Florida; (Daughter) Mrs. Maxine Henderson (Leon Henderson) of Dale City, Virginia; (Son) Mr. Anthony Charles Sr. (Michelle Charles); (Daughter) Mrs. Chantee Poland (Jayson L. Poland, Sr.) of Arlington, Virginia.

Nine Grandchildren; Dr. Alexi Spencer of Evans, GA, Miles Alexis (Sarasota, FL), Indigo Alexis (Sarasota, FL), Chelsea Thomas (Saginaw, TX), Anthony R. Charles II (Fisherville, VA), Kennedi N. Poland (Arlington, VA), Jayson L. Poland II (Arlington,VA), Nia N. Henderson (Dale City, VA), Jordyn Charles (MD.)

Four Great-Grandchildren; Eli Spencer, Ethan Charles, Olivia Thomas, and Ava Thomas.

Shirley also leaves a host of relatives and friends.

Shirley’s wishes were to be cremated and to have her ashes spread amongst the flowers.

A private memorial will be held in Shirley’s honor at a later date.

Donations to the fight against Alzheimer’s may be made in Shirley’s honor to Alz.org