Shirley Jean Dow was an active member in the community and loved to keep busy. She was an active member of the Southeast Chapter, Region X. Shirley worked tirelessly on various committees, organizing fundraisers, conferences and any where else she could assist. In 2000, she received a Certificate of Appreciation for her involvement with Black in Government. Shirley was very instrumental in establishing the Joy Hampton Foundation, which was set up in memory of Joy Hampton a fellow Southeast Chapter member who died from breast cancer. Shirley was recognized by Junior Achievement for her volunteer services in the community.

Shirley was a woman of integrity, endurance, courage and possessed a compassionate heart. She could always be counted on to provide calm in the storm, a shoulder to lean on, and an ear to listen and provide useful advice on dealing with tough situations. Shirley taught us to be bold, strong, trust ourselves, our decisions and value ourselves. Most of all she taught us that family is most important. She felt that Southeast Chapter Blacks in Government was part of her family.