Shirley Buena Rogers Salley was born on January 8, 1936 in Montevallo, Alabama. She departed this life on November 1, 2018 in White Plains, New York. She was the eldest daughter born to the late James De Rogers and Buena Vista Rogers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Salley, and her youngest brother, Robert Rogers.

She attended school in Tuskegee, Alabama at Chambliss Elementary School and Tuskegee Institute High School, where she was a member of the Honor Society for receiving high grades.

Shirley migrated from Tuskegee to New York soon after graduating from high school. She was one of seven children. Being part of a large family made it necessary for Shirley to work at an early age. She had a live-in job with a family in New York. Later, she also worked at a dry-cleaning business and greeting card factory. She sent most of the money she earned to her mother. She hoped that she could raise enough money from this job to go back to Alabama for college but ended up staying in New York.

Shirley attended Westchester Business School in White Plains. In 1962, she was hired as a telephone operator by AT&T, where she eventually was promoted to international telephone operator. On many occasions, she would connect celebrities and important leaders via telephone. At AT&T, she received recognition for perfect attendance, various achievements and dedication to her job.

As an example, she received the following accolades from the company:

December 1962:
“The week of the Cuban crisis was one of international anxiety and personal concern. It was not surprising that the number of overseas calls made during this period far exceeded those of a normal week. Only the extra effort on the part of such people as yourself made it possible for us to handle the increased traffic.”

November 1963:
“Yesterday culminated a weekend of monumental shock and sadness – our President was buried. You were one of those people who could not be relieved from a vital job to pay your last respects. I am sorry about this, but I want you to know that because of your extra efforts, 180 of your coworkers did get that opportunity. The tribute paid to the late President Kennedy by these people is as much yours as it is theirs.”

(She retired from AT&T in March 1998 after 36 years of employment)

Shirley married Albert Salley in April 1978. From this union was born one daughter, Linda Alberta.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Linda Alberta Blake; two granddaughters: Hope Salley and Precious Blake; two brothers: James Rogers, Gerald Rogers (Delores); three sisters: Bertha Rogers, Faye Hutchinson, Nina Maxwell (Stanley); two step-daughters: Laurie Walker (William), Darlene Salley; one stepson: Glenn Smith; 15 nieces and nephews, as well as many step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, cousins, grand-nieces and nephews and friends.

Shirley is joined in Heaven with her late husband and mother, who she always had fond memories of during her life. At one time, she said, “I thought my mother was an angel. She raised us to be good citizens, good human beings. She would hug us and kiss us when we needed it. My mother, to me, was just beautiful.”



The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Shirley B. Salley entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the family Shirley B. Salley during their time of bereavement.