Obituary of Shirley Ray Nickleberry
Shirley R. Nickleberry
February 7, 1955 – October 29, 2025
Shirley R. Nickleberry, age 70, of Bay City, Michigan, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 29, 2025. She was born on February 7, 1955, the beloved daughter of the late Lorene and Raphael Grimmett.
She was educated in the Carrollton Public Schools and went on to build a fulfilling career as a compassionate Home Health Aide, where she touched many lives with her caring heart and gentle spirit. Shirley lived her life with style, grace, and joy. She loved shopping, working out, and always made sure she was “looking good.” Her creativity shone brightly through her love of decorating her home — always transforming it beautifully with each new season or holiday. She was also a faithful member of Gethsamene Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Smith, where she found strength and joy in worship and fellowship.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory:
her daughter, Davonnda Thomas (son-in-law, the late Tracey Thomas);
her son, Melvin (Rachel) Johnson;
bonus daughters, Zorretta and Shanika Nickleberry;
three grandsons, Demonttwon “Delow” (Ariieta), Demontay, and Eddie Thomas;
five granddaughters, Shanna, Tayshja, T’onna, Brianna, and MaShayla;
and four great-grandchildren, Genesis, J’anna, Zoey, and Treasure; and her fur baby, Hennessey. She is also survived by her sister, Jacqueline Grimmett;
brother, Willie (Lorraine) Davis;
sister-in-law, Bridgette Grimmett;
and special nieces, LaKisha Grimmett, Nowella Boone, and Tamika Hannah.
She will also be lovingly remembered by her dear friends Pastor Mother Mae Wathen and Pastor James Lewis.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene and Raphael Grimmett;
brothers, Kimble, James, Donald, and Anthony Grimmett;
sister, Carolyn Johnson (Grimmett);
granddaughter, De’Lishous Thomas;
son-in-law, Tracey Thomas;
niece, Latosha Harvey;
her beloved husbands, Melvin Johnson Sr. and Alonzo Nickleberry; and her special friend, William Johnson.
Shirley’s warmth, style, and loving spirit will be remembered always.
Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Hers was a life well lived.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:8 A Service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at Gethsamene Baptist Church, 1200 N. Johnson Street, Bay City, Michigan, with Pastor Benjamin Smith officiating. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
