Shirley Mae Darouse, 92, of Newport News, Virginia passed peacefully at home, with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.  She was born November 18, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Leander DePhillips and Lela Oliphant DePhillips.  She was preceded in death by her husband John (Johnny) Paul Darouse, Sr., and her siblings, Ruby Simpson Cooper, John L. Simpson Jr., Hulon A. Simpson and William (Mickey) O. Simpson.

Shirley loved her family and friends and looked forward to their visits.  She was a Christian woman with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ who looked forward to eternity with her Lord and Savior.  She loved sharing stories with her grandchildren about her growing up on the farm in Loranger, Louisiana, playing school sports and her and Johnny dancing the night away.  She was a member of the Christopher Newport University's Lifelong Learning Society for twenty-two years where she produced many pieces of artwork and provided study and learning opportunities for student members.  In 2022, she was honored with a Lifelong Citizenship Award by the city of Newport News for her forty-five years of community service.  Her contributions included assisting the sick and homebound with errands, companionship and care for their needs, advocating for families in need of affordable housing, volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, acting as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, and helping local elementary students with school events.

Shirley is survived by her sons, John (J.P.) Paul Darouse, Jr. and Randolph "Randy" Lee Darouse, Sr. (Karen); six grandchildren, Connie Motley (E.W.), Gail Holloman (Mark), Randolph (Randy) Lee Darouse, Jr. (Kelly), John Paul Darouse, III, Chelsea Darouse, Tracy Conway (Joe); and seven great grandchildren, Ridge Motley, Bridget Motley, Brooke Holloman, Sunny Darouse, Landon Conway, Lincoln Darouse, and Emmett Conway.

She will be remembered for her caring nature, generosity, and love for family.  Her family is immensely grateful for the time shared with her and will treasure the memories of her always.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA 23601.