Shirley Gailes

Shirley Mae Gailes was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 30th, 1928. She transitioned from earth's life, peacefully while asleep, on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. She was the only daughter and the second of four children born to Obed and Viola Berrien-Medley who preceded her in death.

Shirley grew up in the Hill District and was educated through the Pittsburgh Public Schools, graduating from Schenley High School in 1947. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior as a young woman while growing up in Central Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, PA. Shirley lovingly raised her children with ex-husband Joseph G. Odom, who passed in November of 2004.

On July 10th, 1976, she re-married the late Robert L. Gailes. After which they together attended Sixth Mount Zion Church. Later in life, having a desire to worship with her family, she moved her membership to Bethany Baptist Church where she joyfully served on the Missions Board as Secretary, helped with the Food Pantry, and served in the Master's Kitchen. 

Shirley truly loved and enjoyed being with her Bethany Church family and they loved her back in such a heartwarming way. Also, while still able, she loved attending Sunday School classes and Wednesday Bible Study. She was disciplined with her personal devotional time and enjoyed listening to hymns, gospel music, sending birthday and "prayerfully thinking of you" messages/cards to friends. She also enjoyed traveling, going to gospel and jazz concerts, musical plays, the movies, and last but not least clothes shopping. 

Shirley worked various jobs after being a loving "stay at home" mom. For several years she worked as a Dietician in the cafeteria at Presybyterian Hospital in Oakland. Afterwards, she became the Manager of a Tobacco Shop which was in Sears at the Allegheny Center Mall. Lastly, she retired, in January 1994, after working 25 years as a Deli Clerk for the Giant Eagle Supermarket Chain.

Shirley truly enjoyed being around her family and close friends. She thought the world of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind to celebrate her homegoing and to cherish her memory her Brother Charles Medley; her Children Cecil (Verdis) Broadus, Michael Broadus, and JoAnn (Victor) Owens; her Step-daughters, Tracey Gailes and Michelle Gailes; her Grandchildren, Nathaniel Broadus, Phillip Broadus, Marvin Roberson, Victor (Christa) Owens, Pamela Owens, and Benjamin Owens; 15 Great Grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her oldest brother Donald Medley and her youngest brother Varnell (Lena) Medley. 

The family asks that any memorials be made in the form of a donation in Shirley's honor to the "Bethany Baptist Church Stewardship Campaign", at the website www.bethanybaptist-pgh.org.

Thank you.

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