Shirleyan Baptist

Shirleyan Green Baptist of Shiloh, IL, passed peacefully at 6:14pm, Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Cedarhurst of Shiloh, IL. She was born October 14, 1925 in Jacksonville, IL, daughter and only child of the late Harvey Horace and Tressa Madeline (Lacy) Green. She married John Keith Baptist on November 23, 1946. Her beloved husband, Johnny passed March 8, 1971.

Shirleyan is survived by two daughters: Carol Kristine “Kristy” Ramsey of O’Fallon, IL and Canda Keith “Candy” Brown of Ottawa, KS;  four adored grandchildren: Ginger Brown Barnhart (Randy), Rochelle “Shelly” Ramsey Richardson (Jim), Holly Brown Malkames, Brent Ramsey; and seven dearly loved great-grandchildren: Braeton and Kyle Richardson; Blake and Lindsay Malkames; Macy, Mallory, and Meredith Barnhart.
Shirleyan was foremost an artist and an educator: a weaver; seamstress; silversmith; and serigrapher whose work was exhibited nationally. A Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate of MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, she received her Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas.  An art teacher at Milburn Junior High School and at Shawnee Mission South High School,  Shirleyan retired in 1981 from the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas after 24 years of teaching.

Upon retirement, Shirleyan volunteered as a docent at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO, for 13 years. She guided many tours and enjoyed the school children on field trips. Her inspired scenery and sets for productions by The Studio school of dance in Olathe, KS, was a highlight for many young dancers. Her travel to Europe, Japan, and Mexico with her keen artist's perception influenced her inspired body of work.

Shirleyan also mastered the art of being Granny. She attended countless school plays, concerts, and science fairs; ball games, dance recitals and cheer nights. She taught her grandchildren to play Tripoli, sew and cook. She gave them a love for the arts – music, dance, sketch and time on the weavers loom. Shirleyan shared her summers, holidays and front porch for playtime, performances and laughter. It was always a joy to be at Granny’s house. Maybe fresh popcorn and Anne of Green Gables, a string-lead or clue-driven scavenger hunt, a sneaky New Year's Eve celebration at 11pm, or a late night reading of the Hobbit, but there was always an adventure waiting at Granny’s house.

A life-time member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, Shirleyan was also an active member at her local Christian Science church where she served as Reader, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, as well as Board Member. Shirleyan's devotion to her faith and continuous prayer for her family will forever remain a precious legacy.

Endless gratitude to Miles Harbur, C.S., practitioner and friend to our family, for his prayerful treatment and support. His spiritual understanding and ability to uplift Shirleyan through God's love and the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy are immeasurable. Thanks to the tender and loving caretakers at Cedarhurst of Shiloh, the graciousness of Heartland Hospice in Fairview Heights, the blessed personal companionship provided by Right at Home, and the generous heart of Chris Jones. Heartfelt thanks to all angels of mercy who devoted themselves with grace to Shirleyan. Thank you to Bob Covell and the loving congregation at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Merriam, KS.

The memorial celebration will be held on March 31, 2018 at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. Visitation starts at 1:00pm, service at 2:00pm, followed by a graveside remembrance. Shirleyan loved color, so on this day we invite you to join us by honoring her with colorful attire,  surrounding her with the beauty of an artist's palette.

Memories may be shared on websites www.johnsoncountychapel.com or in Illinois at www.kalmermemorialservices.com.  Cards for the family may be sent to: Candy Brown, 2405 Nevada Rd, Ottawa, KS 66067 or Kristy Ramsey, 1312 Three Rivers Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Flowers are welcomed as Shirleyan so loved her gardens or memorial contributions may be sent to: First Church of Christ, Scientist, 9224 W. 57th St., Merriam, KS 66203; or MacMurray College, Art Department, 447 E. College Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650 (217) 479-7024  https://59988.thankyou4caring.org  To donate: Select designation/other/fill in Art Department.