Shirley Ferguson Rolling was born on July 13, 1942, to J. Robert Ferguson Sr. and Lee Alberta Ferguson, in Huntsville, Texas. She received her formal education in Huntsville and graduated from Sam Houston High School with her class of 1960. During her time at Sam Houston High School, she was a cheerleader for the Sam Houston High School Tigers.

Shirley met the love of her life Obie Rolling, Jr. They were joined in holy matrimony in 1960. To their union they were blessed with two children, Shirlette De’Carla and Orlan Craig. On top of being a devoted wife and mother, she also was the owner of her own business, Shirley’s Style Shoppe for over 50 years.

Shirley loved the Lord with all her heart, and it showed through her church affiliations that included as a youth at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church and St. Luke IME Church. She proudly served as First Lady under her husband, Pastor Obie Rolling, and she was also a faithful Choir Director. She remained faithful to her church until her health began to fail.

The loved ones that preceded her in death include her husband, Obie Rolling Jr.; parents, J. Robert Ferguson Sr. and Lee Alberta Ferguson; brothers, J. Robert Ferguson Jr. and Arthur Ferguson. Her cherished memories will remain with her devoted children, Shirlette De’Carla Deveraux and Orlan Craig Rolling, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Sophia Willis-Rolling; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, other relatives and friends.