Shirley Elbert

Shirley Fields Elbert, age 79, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, peacefully transitioned on February 8, 2026. Known for her warm smile, quiet strength, and kind heart, Shirley lived a life shaped by love, family, and a steady faith that guided her through every season. Born on January 20, 1947, in Green Pond, South Carolina, Shirley was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph Fields and Addie Mae Scriven Fields. She attended Colleton County High School, where her strong values and determination took root. Shirley met Benjamin Elbert in South Carolina, and their connection grew into a loving partnership. In May of 1965, Shirley moved to New York to pursue new opportunities and build a future for herself. In January of 1966, Donald Elbert was born. Benjamin Elbert later moved to New York, and the two were united in marriage on January 23, 1972. Their marriage was one of commitment, shared experiences, and enduring love. 

She began her professional career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and later found great success as a Business Manager with New York Telephone Company. Shirley took pride in her work and carried herself with grace, responsibility, and integrity. In March 1973, Shirley gave birth to Yolanda Elbert. Shirley continued excelling in her career at the phone company and after 27 years of service, decided to retire. After retiring, she returned home to South Carolina, grateful to be near family and familiar surroundings. 

She was a devoted mother to her two children, Donald Elbert, who preceded her in death in 1993, and Yolanda Ayeshah Elbert, who remains her greatest joy and legacy. Shirley's heart was also big enough to mother many others along the way. She lovingly embraced several honorary children, offering guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love: Renee Geathers Bookhart (Jimmy), Patricia Geathers, Caroline Nelson (Leisha), Rita Adkins (Reginald), LuShanna Brewington Jones (Quincy), Christie Campbell, Charles Maxwell (Monica) and Sheron Jordan. To them, she was more than family, she was a constant source of wisdom, care, and support. 

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: her husband Benjamin Elbert, her precious daughter, Yolanda Ayeshah Elbert, her furbaby Paris, God-Son Scott Hudson-Vance; loving siblings, Janie Drain-Brown, and Earnest Fields (Maggie). She was preceded in death by her siblings Estelle Geathers, Jonas Fields (Julia), Carrie Bell Manigo (Willie), Emma Mae Brown, and Elizabeth Simmons. Shirley was preceded in death by many maternal and paternal nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and honorary grandchildren. 

She shared a special bond with her dear friends Brenda Hudson, Lillie Brown, Donna Collette, and Sylvia McWilliams, whose friendship brought laughter, comfort, and companionship throughout her life. 

Shirley loved spending time with her family and closest friends, watching tennis and golf. You could always count on her sharing a smile and a gentle laugh. She had a special love for the color purple because she knew she was royalty-confident in who she was, proud of where she came from, and secure in the faith that grounded her. 

Shirley Fields Elbert will be remembered for her grace, her love, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on through all who were blessed to call her mother, sister, aunt, and friend. 

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