Shirlee Portee, 85, of Pittsburgh PA, passed on November 06, 2020. Shirlee was born on November 15, 1935. The eighth child of the late Clementine(Taylor) Spence and Arthur Spence. She, along with her brother Arthur were reared in Cleveland , Ohio by their grandparents and aunt, the late Mildred Spence. Her Aunt Mildred taught shirlee at and early age to play the pian. A childhood friend remembers Shirlee not being able to come out and play until she had practiced her piano lessons. She played and sang beautifully. her talents were shared throughout the years with family and friends. 

Shirlee grew up in the St. James AME church, attenfed Sunday school and church faithfully with her aunt and grandparent. In her adult life she joined Imani Temple under Reverend Rodney Thomas. She loved her church and was a regular participant until a few years before her death. She always expressed her gratitude to her church family who visited and encouraged her in the later years.

After graduating from high school Shirlee enrolled at the Central School of Practical Nursing and received her Certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse for the State of Ohio on December 15,1956. Before retiring she had served over 25 years in nursing at Brentwood Hospita. 

Shirlee married the love of her life Kenneth Portee Jr. on April 28, 1957. They celebrated 47 years of wedded bliss until his death in 2005. Shirlee and Kenny were a fun-loving couple the enjoyed Traveling and socializing with their family and Friend.