Barbara "Bj" Shelmire

In Loving Memory

Barbara “BJ “   Shelmire

September 30, 1945 - March 15, 2024

Barbara Ann Shelmire known to many as BJ was born to Willie Spencer, and Dossie Mae Spruill in Williamston, North Carolina on September 30, 1945.

She was one of 8 children. BJ shared her life with 3 sisters Annie Mae, Gaddie and Suzette along with 4 brothers William, Willie, Robert, and Frederick along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Crestwood High School in Norfolk Virginia where she also attended Norfolk State College. She was a member of her high school’s Future Business Leaders of America Council, where she was also a member of her yearbook staff and her school’s dramatics club.

In 1972 she moved to Long Beach, California.

BJ is survived by her Sister Suzette Elaine Jolla, her brothers Frederick Eugene Spencer and Robert L. Spencer, her children William F. Johnson III, Kimberly M. Johnson, and Darryl L. Shelmire, and (6) grandchildren Marcus Paton, Re’Nisha Lytton, Briana Lytton, William Johnson IV, Steven Johnson and Dominic Shelmire.

She retired in 2004 after more than 30 years of Federal Service in background investigative services, the Social Security Administration and the bureau of Prisons at Terminal Island.

She waged a long and courageous battle against multiple myeloma a rare form of blood cancer. Her resilience and “never quit” and “no pity for me” persona allowed her to wage an unprecedented campaign of life with cancer for nearly 15 years.

She loved life, she was a highly organized and a consummate professional; she was also a bit of sailor as she was always on the lookout for another cruise, she was an avid bowler; she loved a trip to Las Vegas and enjoyed playing the slot machines; she always had a great story to tell about her pursuits.

BJ knew how to throw a party as some of her neighbors, friends and family can attest to her birthday shindigs back in the day.

She was also quite funny as she could always find a way to get a laugh out of you by saying something humorous or striking a funny pose; she never met a stranger she didn’t like, as she could start up a warm conversation with anyone.

BJ was baptized by Lakewood Church International on August 14, 2014.

She is preceded in death by her mother Dossie, and her father Willie, sisters Annie Mae Moore, and  Gaddie Louise Brown, her brothers William Spruill, and Willie Spencer Jr.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

A LEGACY OF LOVE  and RESILIENCE

The life celebration will also be broadcast for those unable to attend in person:

https://tinyurl.com/BarbaraShelmireHomegoing