Mrs. Shirlene Evans Barnett's Obituary
Mrs. Shirlene Evans Barnett was born March 1, 1938 in Meridian Mississippi. Shirlene was the sixth child born to the union of Walter and Annie Clark Evans of Kemper County, Mississippi. The Evans household was one of love, laughter, prayer and worshiping the Lord. The Evans parents mandated that each child be strong in prayer, praise, faith and education. At the age of eight, Shirlene knew her professional calling was to be a Registered Nurse. As a little girl, she loved to read, play "patty-cake" hand games and house with her younger sister Elvestine. They often got in trouble for playing house with "real" collard greens from their Mother's garden.
At an early age, Shirlene confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior, at East End Church of God and Christ. As a teen-ager she became a member of Anderson Temple Church of God in Christ. In her early-twenties she became an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Later, Shirlene returned to Anderson Temple as her church home. She received her grade school and secondary education at St. Joseph Catholic School graduating in 1956. After graduating high school, she worked as a residential housekeeper. This role, served as motivation for Shirlene to achieve her dreams of becoming a registered nurse. As a young black lady in 1959, Shirlene was not permitted to enter a Registered Nurse program. She did the next best thing and became a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital graduating in 1962. Her dream and goal of becoming a registered nurse never diminished as she started her r Throughout the early 1970's, Shirlene attended Meridian Community College and caree . worked full time as she studied the registered nurse curriculum. In 1974, she obtained her Registered Nurse license' and began working at Riley Hospital. In 1979, following her passion for psychiatric nursing, she began employment at East Mississippi Mental Hospital. She exceled in nursing and became a Facility Nurse Administrator. After an on the job injury, Shirlene retired in 1993, however she continued her passion to serve the community and help others. For many years Mrs. Shirlene Evans Barnett served as secretary of the Lauderdale County NAACP and an active member of the Eliza Piller Nursing Association. Shirlene married Edward Gerome Barnett in 1963 and to this union a daughter Sharon Alesia was born. Longing to have more children to love, Shirlene adopted Tara in 1977. Shirlene will be remembered for her strong personality, style, presence, encouraging words and love for the Lord. On Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 4:05 pm, Shirlene Evans Barnett was called to her final resting place with the Lord. Shirlene Evans Barnett was preceded in death by her father, mother, and six siblings. She leaves to mourn and cherish her wonderful memories: two daughters: Sharon Barnett-Myers of Memphis, TN and Tara Lewis of Meridian, MS; grandchildren: Jonathan, Ke-Anna of Jackson, MS; Alysha, JaQuarius and Quinesha; a great-grandson, Amarion of Meridian, MS; Nieces: Shirlene, Linda (Barry); Nephews: Marvin, Dwayne, and Byron; Great nieces: Marchelle, Riley; Great Nephews: Marvin Glenn, Brandon, Corey; special cousins: Lerene Wilson, Marcus Wilson and Kenneth Wilson; Sister-Friends: Mary Greer, Laura Joe McGlothin, Lillie Lewis, Rose Leflore and a host of Friends.
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