Shirley Ann Baker

Shirley Ann Baker, a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, and loyal friend, departed peacefully from this life on May 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, doing what she loved most, laughing and picnicking with family and friends.

Born in Evansville, IN, on September 10, 1945, Shirley was reunited in eternal rest with her parents, Robert Weatherford, and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew & Alice Phillips. She was the beloved mother of three loving children: Mr. Scott Baker (Brian), Mrs. Lisa Moore (Mark), and Ms. Maria Baker, all of whom she loved wholeheartedly. Her legacy continues through a host of grandchildren, Sentoria Washington, Fletcher Byrd Jr., and Isaiah James, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sariah Owens and Zhnaya Byrd . Shirley's family also includes a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends, including Mrs. Regina Hargitt and the late Jean Booker.

Shirley, our matriarch, had several siblings who loved her dearly: Brenda Dortch (Willie), Sandra Ramsey, Bobby Weatherford, Roxanne Weatherford, Larry Weatherford, Robert Weatherford Jr, Tim Phillips (Lou), and the late Evelyn Phillips and David Phillips. She was a Lincoln Alumni, attended Glenwood grade school, Bosse High School, and graduated from Indiana Business College with a major in Business. Shirley retired from Whirlpool and went on to open her own daycare business, and "Shirley's Sweets," where she sold pies and cakes to help non-profit businesses, friends, and family. Through her baking, she raised $3500 for her great niece to travel overseas as a foreign exchange student. Shirley loved to sew and crochet, and her family and friends fondly remember her crocheting blankets for the kids for Christmas, which many still cherish.

Her sternness in her lessons and strength was her love, which will forever remain in our hearts. Shirley was the heart of the family, always ready to get you straight in a real "matter-of-fact" way. She inspired us to love ourselves, not put up with any let’s say “stuff”, and encouraged us to travel, enjoy life, work hard, speak positively, and never give up. Most importantly, she taught us to keep God first and value family and friends.

Shirley was a dedicated President of the Ushers board at McFarland Missionary Baptist Church. Her favorite scripture is Psalms 23.