They have ten living grandchildren and one deceased. Their grandchildren are, Larry Portman, Jr., Billy Portman, Misty Embry, Angel Smith, Teela Dennis, Nathan Dennis, Brooklyn Rose Clark, Austen Clark, Evan Clark, Dawn Katlyn Clark, and Jason Anthony Vincent, who is deceased after having heart surgery.

She says, "I have 7 great-grandchildren living and 1 deceased. My dad, Cliva Ray Mercer died in Dec. of 2000 and my mother, Anthoinette Mercer passed away in May of 2002. I took care of them for several years before they passed away."

Shirley works for Modern Transmissions Development who makes transmissions for GE washing machines.

She says she still likes to read.