Shirley McRae-Rice

With hearts full of sorrow and gratitude, we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of Shirley McRae-Rice, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, godmother, and cherished friend. Born on May 28, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, to Ebenezer Smart and Albert Lindsey, Shirley lived a life of resilience, passion, grace, and fierce love. She was affectionately called Nonnie.

Shirley’s journey through life was defined by her strength, her compassion, and an unyielding belief in the power of self-confidence. She attended Bloomfield College, where she studied business administration. Shirley followed her dreams into the world of fashion—a world she not only navigated but transformed. In 1982, she stepped out in faith and opened her first boutique, The Fashion Plate, in Avenel, NJ. She would go on to open two more locations in Rahway and Linden, creating vibrant spaces where style met soul. Even when her stores closed in 1990, her mission remained: to uplift and inspire women to embrace their beauty.

Shirley later began a new chapter at Macy’s as a personal shopper, where her natural flair for style and ability to connect with people quickly earned her a promotion to Jones New York specialist. Her work ethic and talent continued to shine, and she was soon offered a position at the Jones New York corporate office, where she rose to become the customer service manager. Though she officially retired in 2014, Shirley never stopped pursuing her passion. She founded Lavish Dimensions, a personal shopping experience created especially for full-figured women. Through this work, she helped countless women feel beautiful and confident, always reminding them: "You are as good as you look."

Beyond the world of fashion, Shirley lived a life of giving. Even in the face of a cancer diagnosis, she gave of her time, her heart, and her wisdom. She was an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a proud Red Hatter, and she found great joy in cooking and caring for others—whether it was for her family, her friends, or her community.

Shirley was also known for her wit, her infectious sense of humor, and her fierce personality. She had a sharp tongue, a quicker smile, and a warmth that filled any room she entered. Whether making you laugh with a one-liner or standing up for what she believed in, Shirley was never one to be ignored—and always one to be remembered.

Shirley was the devoted mother of the late Judith Martin, the late Anthony Rice, Lorri Rice-Slaughter (Rodney), and Thomas Rice (Denise), whom she raised with pride, wisdom, and deep love.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Shannell Price, Korey Slaughter (Corinthians), Kyler Slaughter, Konner Slaughter, and Katelyn Rice (Shiheem); and her great-grandchildren: Remy Martin, Kayla Martin, Mi’yana Shields, Titus Slaughter, and Naomi Slaughter. She also leaves behind her goddaughter, Cynthia Roessler; a dearest lifelong friend, Marge Cross; cherished friends, Liz and Roy Ashford and Albert Stancil and a host of cousins who were blessed by her light and love.

Shirley McRae-Rice was more than her titles and roles. She was a force—a woman who showed us how to persevere with dignity, how to lift others as we climb, and how to live boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically.

We will miss her laugh, her style, her warmth, and her wisdom. But we will carry her in every confident step we take, every bold color we wear, and every act of kindness we extend to others. Rest well, Shirley. Your light shines on in all of us.