Obituary of Shirley Berfet

Shirley Temple Rozzelle Berfet was born April 20, 1935, in Lincolnton, NC to David Rozzelle (deceased) and Ella Mae Farley (deceased). Shirley was the oldest of her 11 siblings. Shirley was called home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2023. Shirley was educated in Lincolnton, NC where she attended Newbold High School. Upon graduating, Shirley received an academic scholarship to Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC. Shirley soon after married the late Lawrence Berfet upon his return from Korea. They relocated to Newark NJ to raise their family. Out of that marriage Shirley gave birth to 3 children, Lawrence Berfet, Felix Berfet and Sheryl Berfet Williams. In Shirley’s early years she was employed by Magnus Organ Company. Later Shirley went on to have a 35-year career as a Toll Operator and Supervisor with Port Authority of NY/NJ. She received numerous service awards and promotions. Shirley enjoyed traveling, word puzzles and attending cabarets. Shirley loved traveling to North Carolina to visit family and friends. She enjoyed shopping and going out to eat dinner. Shirley was also an excellent cook and baker herself. Her specialty was sweet potato pie and banana pudding. Her family looked forward to her Thanksgiving dinners that were enjoyed by all. But most of all she enjoyed nothing more than her PEPSI Cola. Shirley was a wonderful family matriarch. Her love for family came through in her loving smiles, her giving nature and her genuinely warm “Happy to see you” greeting. Shirley was always there to give whatever support her family needed. She had a great memory of family history and events, always sharing stories whenever she could. When Shirley was able to, she stayed in touch with regular phone calls showing her family that she cared and thought about them. Shirley showed that same warmth and love to her friends as well. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Lawrence Berfet and Felix Berfet. One daughter Sheryl Berfet Williams (Reginald). A brother, Frank Farley. Grandchildren Omari Berfet,Lamarence Best, Shontelle Brown, Ibn Latif, Sharnae Williams, Shakyah Williams and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.