Shirley Ann Jones

Shirley Ann Jones was born on February 4, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio. She was the cherished daughter of Anna L. Miliner Anderson and Robert Jetton Woods and lovingly raised by her mother Priscilla Frierson. A woman of strength, determination, and boundless creativity, Shirley made history as the first Black phone operator for Michigan Bell, a milestone that marked the beginning of a life spent opening doors for others.

Her hands helped shape history—working as an assembler for Convair, Shirley contributed to John Glenn’s Mercury Spaceship, an achievement she carried with great pride. But her true passion emerged in the world of fashion and empowerment. In 1970, she founded Shirley J’s Fashion Center, the first and largest Black-owned women’s clothing store, a beacon of style, culture, and opportunity.

Never content with convention, Shirley pushed the envelope further in 1972 when she co-founded Shirley J’s Mannequins alongside the legendary Romelle Foster, the first Black Miss San Diego. Together, they created an innovative and all-Black modeling group, revolutionizing the runway with choreographed modeling, live bands, and theatrical skits. Their work captivated San Diego and beyond, introducing a new and dynamic form of performance art.

The impact of Shirley’s mentorship can be seen in the extraordinary achievements of her models and students. Under her guidance: Five were finalists in the Los Angeles Model of the Year Contest, oneearned LA Male Model of the Year, one was first runner-up for LA Female Model of the Year, another was first runner-up in the Miss Black Awareness Pageant, three graced the stage of the prestigious Ebony Fashion Fair, one was crowned Miss Black America in 1974.

Shirley’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she inspired and shaped.

Shirley Ann Jones, a trailblazer, entrepreneur, mentor, and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in San Diego, California. She was 90 years old.

She is preceded in death by her parents Anna Anderson & Jetton Woods, her mother Priscilla Frierson, Son Theordore Jones Jr. (Teddy) Siblings, Dixie, George, Yvonne, Joann & Marlene. 

She is survived by her beloved Theodore Jones Sr. and her fourchildren: Renee Jones, Danny Jones (Sissy), Michael Jones andDonna Duniver. She also leaves behind a loving legacy through her grandchildren: Jermaine Dawson, Jason Dawson, Walter Bryant, Jacqueline White, Jennifer Lewis, Christopher Lawrence, Juliette Jones, Danny Jones, Deondrea Southhall, Kimberly Goring, and a host of Great & Great Great grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives and lifelong friends.

Shirley Ann Jones was more than a pioneer, she was a force of nature, a visionary, and a guiding light. Her life was a testament to courage, beauty, innovation, and love.

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