Shirley Manigault was born September 9, 1937 to the late Edmond & Sallie Manigault in McClennanville, SC where she attended the county public school and Lincoln High School which she graduated in May 1956 then went on to the Airforce where she served. She had eight siblings, seven proceeded her in death.

Shirley married the late Gilbert White Sr. on February 8, 1958 in there union five children were born. In 1962 they moved to Queens from the Bronx where there family grew and their home became a home to many family and friends. Gilbert was a truck driver until he retired. Shirley worked at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center as a Mental Hygiene Therapist Aide for thirty two years before retiring.

Everyone that knew Shirley knew she had a way with words. She was funny, straightforward and loved taking care of her family and anyone that needed shelter or food. Shirley was the glue that kept things together and working no matter what. She had a love for Law & Order, Poker with the family, playing numbers and a shot every now and then in her tea cup.
On Saturday, January 3, 2015 Shirley accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. On January 5 at 12:32 p.m., Shirley was called to her eternal home. She leaves behind to continue to celebrate her life her six children, Karen (Lori) of Jamaica, NY, Gilbert (Konya) of Maryland, Alfred of Queens, NY, Vincent (Lisa) of Rochester, NY, Leon Reed of Jamaica, NY baby Trace of Rosedale, NY and Koren White; eighteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one sister, Edna Darby (Queen to the Manigault throne); two brothers-in-law, Calvin White (Rebecca) of Queens, NY and Herbert Whiteside of South Carolina; two sister-in-laws, Mary White of Jamaica and Sonya Yankowsky of South Carolina; special daughters and granddaughters; Leslie Kenny, Veronica Fredrick, Katherine McFarlane, Gloria Mitchell, Kajuana Paris, Katlin McFarlane, Yoland Kirby, Donna Kirby, Natalie Copeland, Amanda Schoffner; special friends, Smallwood, Ms. Maxine, Ms. Price, Carol Aldridge, the Darby family the Whiteside family, the Wilson family, the Baker family, Ms. Bea, Thomas Young and Carlos; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.