Shirley Ann Lake

Shirley Ann Lake was born on January 15, 1978, in Tabor City, North Carolina, to David McNeil and Lilly Bell Robinson. She was raised in Marion County, South Carolina, alongside her four siblings. Raised by her mother, she was also deeply influenced in her teenage years by her Aunt Novella, whose care helped shape her into the person she became. Shirley later moved to Florida, where she lovingly welcomed her first child, Dr. Diamond McNeil, in 1996, followed by her second daughter, Diannia McNeil, in 2000. On February 10th, 2025, she united in marriage with Joseph R. Lake Jr.

Anyone who knew Shirley witnessed her bright light, vibrant personality, and deep passion for God. She was a natural leader, a compassionate philanthropist, and a devoted prayer warrior. In 2008, she embarked on her first mission trip to Mexico, where she helped build communities while sharing the message of Christ. Her heart for service continued to lead her on additional mission trips to El Salvador, Thailand, and again to Mexico. Shirley dedicated many years to serving others as a public servant, faithfully teaching in children's church and volunteering at food banks such as O.P.I., which provided food and essential items to families in need. In 2013, she founded the Ice Cream Ministry, a joyful outreach that brought free ice cream and snacks to the community through a bright yellow ice cream truck.

Throughout her life, Shirley held various roles, including serving as a social worker at a women's domestic violence shelter, where she offered support and compassion to those in difficult circumstances. Most recently, she worked at Synchrony Financial as a Consumer Corporate Complaints Senior Specialist, where she was deeply valued, and her colleagues spoke of her with great admiration and love.

In 2022, Shirley founded Dad's Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and resources to those in need. In every path she walked, Shirley touched countless lives with her kindness, faith, and generosity. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, and her legacy will live on in all whose lives she touched.

Shirley's funeral service will be held at 10 A.M. on April 11th, 2026, at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. on April 11th, 2026, at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. A cremation will follow after the service has taken place.