Shirley Anne Brown, 87, of Plainwell, MI passed away Monday, March 20, 2023 at Alamo Nursing Home in Kalamazoo, after being a member of the Alamo community for almost 7 years ago. Born March 18, 1936 in Fennville, MI, she was the daughter of the late James Donald and Faith (Fosdick) Barnes. Shirley had been a member of Merson Church for many years, she loved the Lord and prayed consistently that all her family would know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She belonged to the Pearl Ladies Aide group and had also enjoyed helping with God’s Helping Hands. Shirley retired following more than twenty years of dedicated service at Allegan County Medical Care Community where she had worked as a registered nurse. She took special care of the residents there over the years, as a true patient advocate before the term was formally defined, and she loved to share her time and talents with them. Shirley’s favorite holiday was Halloween. She had many costumes in her collection and always dressed up to the fullest extent, much to the delight of the residents and her coworkers at ACMCC. While not at work, Shirley loved to travel with family and friends and did so whenever she had the opportunity. She was very artistic and enjoyed arts and crafts of all sorts as well as cake decorating. She had often decorated beautiful cakes for birthdays and weddings. Her incredibly thoughtful nature ensured that no one was ever forgotten on their special days; she kept all of her loved ones’ birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates in her address book to be sure she dropped a card in the mail or gave them a call. Shirley was an avid gardener and enjoyed being outside in the sunshine whenever she was able. Above all else, she loved her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her children, Julie (Jack) Nissalke, Michele (Pat) O’Reilly, Daniel Barnes; twelve grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces (a few of those nieces, were also her best friends). Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Brown; two sisters, Jean Barnes and Mary Barnes Keedle and two brothers Jack and Donald “Pete” Barnes.
A graveside service at Pearl Cemetery will take place on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or God’s Helping Hands. Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the Brown family with arrangements.