Shirley Ann Watson Barnett, lovingly known as “The Queen Bee” by family, passed away on June 30, 2018 at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on August 5, 1935 to Frances and Carl Watson She married Donald E. Barnett on September 20, 1953. She graduated from Valley High School in 1953.
She was a Past Matron and 53 year member of West Terre Haute Order of Eastern Star 428. She was an avid reader, often finishing a book a day. Her favorite Friday night was spent watching a Terre Haute North Patriots football game.
On any given weeknight you would find her cheering on grandchildren and great-grand children in t-ball, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball and football games. Sunday’s were spent worshiping at Maplewood Christian Church for over 20 years, followed by a family lunch where laughter would always be heard. Her love of children was so immense, that after retirement from working at the Terre Haute Police Department for 18 years, she volunteered in the lunchroom at Community Christian School for 8 years.
Shirley was most known for, and proud of, the family she created. There was never a day that went by that she wasn’t calling, visiting, or making plans with someone. Holiday parties, birthdays, and special occasions were always a highlight for her, she loved when everyone was together.
Her love and devotion to her family will be the foundation of their memories of her. She is survived by seven children, Donald Carl (Ann) Barnett , Tammy Clark, Todd (Vickie) Barnett, Kyle (Emilie) Barnett, Tonya (Sandy) Barnett, Kimberly Barnett, and Kara (Matt) Porter. Fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer (James) Harrah, DJ (Jessie) Barnett, Craig (Sarah) Barnett, Drew (Maddie) Barnett, Brandy Clark, Misty Clark (Stephen Kane), Andrea Marshall, Anthony Barnett, Charles B. Calvert, Tyler Barnett, Olivia Barnett, Kayla Barnett, Jessica (Alec) Manke, Justin Tallman, and Kourtney Barnett.
Fourteen great grandchildren: Jack and Joel Harrah, Afton, Elliott and Charlie Ford Barnett, Levi and Evelynn Barnett, CJ, Halie and Leah Gilbert, Dylan and Dylanee Marshall, Hudson Barnett, and arriving December 2018, great-grandchild Barnett. She was preceded in death by her son, Terry Dean Barnett, husband Donald, her parents and great grandson, Jay Bonar Barnett. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday July 5, 2018 from 4 pm until 8 pm and on Friday July 6, 2018 at noon until service time in Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47804.
Funeral services are scheduled on Friday July 6, 2018 at 1 pm with her eldest son Donald Carl officiating. Entombment will be in Highland Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the memorial fund in Shirley’s name.
Funds will go to a community book house that is being built in her memory. Other contributions can be made in the way of materials and continuous fulfillment of books. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be made at www.
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