Helen "Shirley" Sturgeon

Helen “Shirley” Sturgeon (81) was freed from her earthly body on Independence Day (July 4th) from her home in Waldorf, Maryland. Her Heavenly Father called her home after fighting Thyroid Cancer for many years. She was born to James A and Helen M Franklin of T Street, S.E. Washington, DC on July 12, 1931. Shirley was a single mother raising two daughters in Marlow Heights at a time when women were not truly valued or considered equal to a man in the workplace. She worked for the Dept. of Navy climbing the ladder to being a Computer Analyst until her retirement in 1995. She lived out her retired years in her own home in the beautiful landscapes of Charles County.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Vincent Franklin, Margaret Fournier, Marie Stith, and James Franklin. She is survived by her sister Mary Frances Rogers, of Chesapeake Beach. She is also survived by her daughter Robin Sturgeon Lower, of Waldorf, MD and daughter Susan Settle and son in-law Clarence H. Settle Jr. both of Knoxville, TN. Shirley has three grandsons, Clarence “Chip” Settle of Inwood, WV, Corey Lower of Columbus, Ohio and Tyler Lower of Waldorf, MD. She also had four beautiful great grandsons. Justin, Henry, Alex and Wyatt of Inwood, WV.

Shirley was a naturally talented artist. She enjoyed Sketching, Engraving, and Oil Painting. She loved the Washington Redskins and was a loyal fan. She was also known to love Maryland Crabs. Her life was filed with family and friends and it was her family that all pitched in together and took care of her during her long illness. She was a very special and bluntly honest person. Shirley is already missed by her loved ones and friends. God Bless.

A visitation will be held at Huntt Funeral Home Waldorf, Maryland on Tuesday July 9, 2013 from 6pm to 8pm. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Waldorf, Maryland on Wednesday July 10, 2013 at 1pm. Burial to follow service at Trinity Memorial Gardens Waldorf, Maryland.