Shirley Bloom

Shirley Chatters Bloom entered eternal rest on Monday, January 17, 2022, at the age of 100. She was born April 30, 1921, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Irene and Rutherford Chatters, Sr., the third oldest of sixteen children. She joins her husband, Joseph Clifton Bloom, who she celebrated 50 years of marriage until his passing in 1990. Shirley survived by her children, Ona Bloom Deruise and Jonathan Joseph Bloom, Sr., son-in-law Bryant Deruise, Sr., and daughter-in-law Monique Bloom. Seven Grandchildren, Bryant Deruise, Jr. (Telaris), Gabrielle Deruise, Jonathan Bloom, Jr., William Bloom, Sr. (Cortney), Joni Bloom Reed, (David, Jr.), Bryce Deruise, and Joseph Bloom II. Ten Great-grandchildren, Guy "Tre" Fernandez, III, Braden Fernandez, Caden Fernandez, Gavin Fernandez, Kingston Randolph, Allyn Reed, David Reed, III, William Bloom, Jr., Phillip Bloom, and Gianna Deruise. Siblings Wylene Heron (late Samuel Heron), Edith Batiste (late Alvin Batiste, Sr.), Edvidge Jordan (Edward "Kidd" Jordan, Sr.), Judith Bell (William Bell), Maynard Chatters, Sr. (Ursula Chatters), and sister-in-law Shirley Chatters (late George Chatters, Sr.) and generations of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings Osceola Jackson (Charles Jackson), Myra Elise Joseph (Alfred Joseph), Lois Ambeau (Donald Ambeau), Carol Rodney (Simon Dolliole, Ulysses Rodney), Arthemesia Harris (Alphonso Harris), Joycelyn Chatters, Rutherford Chatters, Jr., Edward Chatters, II (Arlene Chatters), and Kenneth Chatters, Sr. (Hazel Chatters). She attended Lafon Elementary, McDonogh #6, Hoffman School, McDonogh #35 High School, and Xavier University. Shirley's love for music started when her father introduced her to the violin, but the art of singing allowed Shirley to spread her wings. Shirley sang at multiple churches throughout the Greater New Orleans Area. As a teenager and young adult, she performed with Osceola Blanchard. Shirley taught at Grunwald School of Music. Notable students she taught were Peter "Chuck" Badie, Red Tyler, and Earl Palmer. She was the opening performance for Paul Roberson at Booker T. Washington High School in 1942. She sang on a program with Mahalia Jackson in Chicago, Illinois, and performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Marion Anderson. Xavier University in the 1940s is where Shirley performed in multiple operas. In the 1970s, Shirley sang with the New Orleans Opera Chorus and performed for the 1984 World Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the "I've Known Rivers Pavilion." She also performed in Italy in 1996. She continued to sing well into her late 80's, recording several songs with her brother Maynard Chatters, Sr., and her sister Wylene Heron. Shirley's job experiences would include Nurse's Aide at the Veteran Administration Hospital, Insurance Agent for People Life Insurance Co. and Good Citizen Insurance Co., Real Estate Agent, New Orleans Housing Authority Tenant Counselor and Assistant Manager for Woolworth and Lerner Dept. Stores. Special Acknowledgements to Anne Robertson, Jervonda Chatman, Louise Booth, Cynthia Berryhill, Colette and Timothy Branch Sr., Dr. Vernilyn Juan, and Staff, Rhodes Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125, on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements is by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.rhodesfuneralhome.com.