Shirley Ann Jagne

Shirley Ann Jagne was born on July 25, 1953, in Asbury Park, NJ, to the late Mary Ellis-Stafford and the late Luther J. Petties Sr. She was the second oldest of seven children and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering warmth. 

Shirley and her family moved to Newark, NJ in the early 1960’s.  They joined Philemon Baptist Church, where she was baptized, became a junior usher and a member of the first youth choir.  In the late 1960’s, her family moved to East Orange, NJ, and they joined Calvary Baptist Church, where she also sung in the youth choir.  In 1985, she joined Zion Hill Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ, where she remained a faithful member for many years.  In her later years, she became a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Franklin Township, NJ, where she joyfully sang in the choir.

Shirley met the late Reynolds Purcell Sr. in 1971, and they were married in 1972.  From this union, they were blessed with three beautiful children, Lakisha (1972), Reynolds Jr. (1974) and Lamont (1976).  Shirley became a widow in 1983, when Reynolds Purcell Sr. passed away.  Her children became her source of strength and healing, inspiring her to press on, rebuild, and continue nurturing her family with unwavering love.  There wasn’t anything Shirley loved more than being a mother and she loved her children unconditionally.  She was proud to instill in them the importance of family, education, commitment, faith in God, and above all, love. 

Shirley attended East Orange Public Schools, where she graduated from East Orange High School.  She later attended Essex County College in Newark, NJ, where she studied art.  After college, Shirley went on to work for various companies, one being Wonder Bread in East Brunswick, NJ.  She spent 10 years at Wonder Bread, where she also served as a Shop Steward for the Local #50 Union.  Although her position was rewarding, she decided to tap into her God given gift that came so natural to her and pursue her passion for caring for children.  Shirley was always a trusted childcare provider for family and friends since her teenage years, so she opened her own daycare, The Little Fox Box.  Her days were filled with love, laughter, and nurturing the children who absolutely adored her.  She successfully operated The Little Fox Box for 27 years, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.      

While working at Wonder Bread, Shirley met Dodou Jagne and they were married in 1991.  Together, they purchased their home in Franklin Township, NJ, where they built a life rooted in love, family and partnership. They were inseparable, sharing a love for travel and a deep bond throughout their marriage. Shirley also enjoyed drawing, creating artwork, singing, and just truly embracing life.

Shirley was well known for hosting large, family reunion-style Thanksgiving dinners that brought together relatives and friends from near and far. Her home was always open, and she had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and at home.  She had an especially close bond with her sisters, and together they cherished time spent traveling, shopping, and creating lasting family memories.  

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Khadijah T. Haq (Ahsan Haq-Deceased); her Granddaughter, Montaysia A. Purcell; her nephews, Raheem Haq and Gregory Evens.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Dodou B. Jagne; her children, Lakisha Purcell (John Brown), Reynolds Purcell Jr., Lamont Purcell (Davette Jasmine), Modou D. Jagne, and Bunana D. Jagne; her siblings, Deborah A. Jones (Charles-Deceased), Jacqueline O. Williams, Marsha R. Evens, David L. Lacaze (Carlyn), and Joyce L. Lane (Adolph).

She is also survived by her grandchildren; Karon K. Purcell, Altarik Winstead, Lamont Purcell Jr., Montarah T. Purcell, Jamal T. Anderson, Modou Jagne Jr., Mekhi R. Purcell, Keyona Winstead, Mea Odum, Malik Purcell, Zaidah Jagne, and Julia Jagne; her great-grandchildren, Versai A. Purcell and Troy L. Purcell; her goddaughter, Camille Beckles; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Shirley will be profoundly missed and forever treasured. Her kindness, vibrant spirit, and boundless love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.