Shirley Sparrow Green passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, and was a native of Newport News, Virginia. She was a member of Deer Park Baptist Church. Shirley was the wife of Buddy J. Green and the widow of M/Sgt. Donald Major Manning.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Calvert L. (C.L.) Sparrow, mother Julia Lorene Sparrow, brother, Calvert L. Sparrow Jr. (Dempie), grandson, David Manning Mayo, and special family friend, Sylvia B. Poole.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Buddy J. Green; loving daughter, Karen Manning Sanborn, and her companion, Ronald David Mayo; and special family friends, Tim and Jill Manecke, Noelle Carr, Gary and Cindy Geiger, and Jim and Nancy Chellis.
Shirley requested that her burial be private. All memorial donations may be made to The Heart Association. The family has requested no flowers.
4 Comments
I had the privilege to be married to Shirley for 50+ years. Those were the most wonderful years of my life. Rest in peace my precious babe!
Norby and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Im sure the good Lord is saying “Well done, Buddy” as He welcomed your loving wife, Shirley, into His magnificent home.
I had the privilege of meeting, praying with a reciting with her Psalm 23 shortly before she entered eternal rest. I will forever treasure our meeting and honor to watch how Buddy cared for her.
My Mom (Sylvia Poole) and Shirley were best friends ever since I can remember. They did everything together until my Mom’s dementia got the best of her last April. Now they are back together again as best friends enjoying each others company. Rest in peace Shirley and Sylvia.