Violet Shirlene Massie, affectionately known as Shirley, was born and raised in Houston, Texas.  She is the younger of two girls.  At the early age of five, she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour.  During that same year, she began studying classical piano under Mrs. P.O. Smith's tutelage while learning to play gospel music in the church.

 After graduating from Yates High School with highest honors, she moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Howare University.  She graduated four years later, receiving a bachelor's degree in business with cum laude honors.

 Shirley, then, moved to Los Angeles, California where she still resides today.  For many years she worked in business until she began to feel the call of God upon her life to work in the ministry of music. 

Upon answering the call, whe was mentored about five years by Mr. Charles Johnson, Director of St. Brigid Gospel Choir, where she served as the choir accompanist.  The Lord then instructed her to attend Dick Grove School of Music where whe received extensive instruction in keyboard, composing and arranging.

Her music career continues in the Los Angeles/Orange County area.  She has traveled as far as Sweden and played with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra.  She has accompanied such gospel artists as Darryl Coley and served in various musical capacities, including, Minister of Music.

Shirley is a member of the medical team, which has provided an avenue to do missionary work in Africa.  She plans to return in 2002.