Shirley Terrell was longtime bus driver

BELLFLOWER – Shirley Willena Terrell was born Nov. 25, 1934 in New Albany, Miss., the third daughter and fourth child born to James Sykes Terrell and Blanch Rogers Terrell. 

The young family relocated to California when Shirley was four years old. She attended elementary and middle school in Santa Monica before the family moved to Los Angeles where Shirley enrolled at John C. Fremont High School. 

It was here she met her high school sweetheart, Adolphus Brice, Jr. The couple graduated in 1952 and were married on Feb. 20,1953. Born to their union were five children, Lori, Adolphus III, Linda, Leah, and Lisa.

Shirley drove the bus for Los Angeles Unified School District for 17 years. She was honored with a gold medal for the “most loved and congenial driver” of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Shirley retired at the age of 54 from Bellflower Unified School District. She spent her retirement volunteering at Dominguez hospital and Melodyland Church. In the 1980’s she traveled to Israel on two occasions.

She is survived by her husband, Adolphus; her children, Lori, Linda, Leah (Le) and Lisa; grandchildren, Amber, Eddie Jr., Joshua and Faith, Great grand children Christian M. and Christian F. Siblings, Roger (Tim), CeCile (Ruby), Robert (Cynthia), Paulette, Melanee, and Jackie; along with a host of nieces nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, James Sikes Terrell and Blanche Rogers Terrell; her son, Adolphus Brice lll; her sisters, La Donna Johnson and Naomi Robinson; her brother, Talbert Terrell; and her grandson, Christian Cofield.