Shirley Mae Dumas (Jack) Obituary (1937 - 2023)

Shirley Jack Dumas was the 5th of 14 children born on October 13th, 1937, to the union of the late Herbert Jack, Sr. and Gladys Preston Jack. She was raised in Wallace, LA, and attended Second Ward High School, where she graduated in 1956. She was married to her late husband, Raymond Joseph Dumas, Sr., for 61 years. From their union, they had two children, Raymond Dumas, Jr., and Lisa Sutton King. Shirley gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was baptized by the late Reverend Eugene Beauregard and was a member of St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA for many years. In her latter years, Shirley attended Franklin Avenue Baptist Church before moving to Harvey, LA, after Hurricane Katrina; she joined her family at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in August 2014. Shirley was known for her cooking and baking. She expressed her LOVE for family and friends through cooking and baking. Her red beans, pecan candy, cheesecake, famous coconut, and pound cakes were always in high demand. Shirley enjoyed holidays and family gatherings where she always started the Pokeno and card games. She and her sisters were also members of the Thrifty Ladies where they gathered weekly to eat, drink, and socialize. Outside of the kitchen, she enjoyed word games, puzzles, and talking on the phone with her sisters and one of her closest friends, Zenobia Bachemin, whom she affectionately called "Zeak". One of her favorite pastimes was watching tennis, basketball, and football. She was an extraordinary "couch coach" who knew more of the stats and players than the average sports fan and was a proud member of the "Who Dat" nation and loved her Pelicans too. One of her favorite memories was attending a professional tennis tournament in California with her daughter, where she was able to say "Hi!" to Serena Williams. Shirley had a sharp mind. She was business savvy, and resourceful. She sharpened her skills as a bookkeeper at Sears, Roebuck, and Co. After retiring from Sears, Shirley and her husband Raymond launched RJ Transportation Service. She transported children daily to and from school, and Raymond transported workers to Avondale Shipyard. Shirley's work ethic, diligence, and management of their household exemplify her character. Even from the hospital bed, she required her family to maintain her handwritten ledger and accounting system. The family was everything to Shirley, and she was loved by many. She spoke to her son daily. She adored her daughter and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until she peacefully transitioned onto glory. Shirley earned her wings at 85 on January 19, 2023, while at The Sanctuary at Passages Hospice. She leaves behind her children, Raymond Dumas, Jr. (Nancy) and Lisa Sutton King (Dallas); her grandchildren, Kassidy Addison, Arielle Dumas, Krystal Dumas, Ashton Sutton, and Dominque Dumas; her great-grandchildren, Terrielle, Austin, Owen, and Drew; six sisters, Orelia Duvernay, Augustine Bastian (Warren), Gladys Boudoin (Nelson), Gloria Bridges, Brenda Cox (Terry), and Mildred Baker; three brothers, Gilbert Jack, Herbert Jack, Jr., and Jude Jack (Sheila); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church located at 6223 6th Avenue Marrero, Louisiana 70072. Visitation will begin at 8:30am with services starting at 10am. Interment will be at Restlawn Park Cemetery 3540 US-90Avondale, LA 70094. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"