Shirley Jefferson Logan was the kind of person who saw the best in everyone, her family said. Her positive approach was important to her work as a principal at the now-closed Clark Springs Elementary School and at Ginter Park Elementary in Richmond.

Mrs. Logan “understood the power of education in the lives of children and in her own. She saw potential in every student and took it upon herself to encourage them beyond the limits they envisioned,” her family stated in a tribute.

A Richmond native who also was active in her church and in an array of community, service and social groups, Mrs. Logan died Sunday, April 28, 2019. She was 81.

Family and friends celebrated her life Monday, May 6, at Riverview Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 70 years. Interment was in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Known for her big smile and easy laugh, Mrs. Logan began her 37-year career as a teacher and school administrator after graduating from Maggie Walker High School and Virginia Union University. She later earned a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and took additional courses at the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia.

Before becoming a principal, she served as a curriculum specialist at John B. Cary Elementary School.

She was a member of the Richmond Education Association and was active with the scholarship committee and planning the annual fundraising event for the Virginia Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta, an honor society for educators.

In early childhood, her parents “instilled in her the importance of faith, family fellowship and the pursuit of excellence,” her family said. “Those lessons guided and shaped how she lived her life.”

Church was a mainstay in Mrs. Logan’s life. At Riverview Baptist Church, Mrs. Logan served as a deacon and also chaired the Board of Christian Education, the Scholarship Committee and the Children & Youth Ministries. She also was active in special events, Bible School and other activities and was everyone’s go-to person when help was needed to plan a church event or preside over a program.

Mrs. Logan also found time for other community activities.

She was a former national president of the Delicados Inc. service group and also held other national offices as well as participating in the Richmond chapter. She also was an active member of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and sang with the Delta Pearls and was involved with several committees.

She belonged to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the VUU Alumni Association.

Mrs. Logan traveled widely and enjoyed dancing, gardening, flower arranging, interior design and cooking with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Lawrence L. Logan; three daughters, Monique Logan, Michele Logan and Monica L. Shoulders and three grandchildren.