Shirley Ann Gustafson
June 19th, 1937 - April 4th, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Shirley's Obituary
Shirley Ann Gustafson, 87, of Baroda, MI, passed away on Friday – April 4, 2025, at her home in Baroda. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel – 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.
Shirley was born in Hackleburg, AL, on June 19, 1937, to the late Presley Edward and Nixola Velma (Cromer) Barnwell.
Shirley greatly enjoyed singing from early on and formed several trios and quartets throughout her life. She sang at the House of David with her trio, The Harmonettes in the late 1950’s, sang on The American Freedom Train when it made it’s stop in CA in 1976, and was a member of the Hi Jolly chapter of the Sweet Adelines Barbershop chorus in Yuma, AZ. She enjoyed puzzles, cruises to Mexico, garage sales, Southern Gospel Music, card games with her sister, painting, crocheting and creative plastic canvas projects. She was sensitive to stray cats needing her help. Shirley leaves behind her feline family – Boopy Lucy, Spikey Tike, Kayla and Festus.
Shirley is survived by her children – Timothy (Mary) Gustafson of La Mesa, CA and Susan Gustafson of Berrien Springs, MI; grandchildren – Ernest Michael (Samantha) Ruiz of Benton Harbor and Lesley Shea Lockwood of North Carolina; and great grandchildren – Owen, Emmitt and Amelia; and former spouse – Ernest E. Gustafson, Jr. of Chino, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Betty Kirksey, Charles Barnwell and Larry Barnwell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday – April 12, 11:00am, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel with Minister Peter Bumpass officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 10:00-11:00am. Private burial follows the service at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, MI. Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Church of Christ – Empire Ave., Benton Harbor, MI or to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Knab, Utah 84741. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Shirley was born in Hackleburg, AL, on June 19, 1937, to the late Presley Edward and Nixola Velma (Cromer) Barnwell.
Shirley greatly enjoyed singing from early on and formed several trios and quartets throughout her life. She sang at the House of David with her trio, The Harmonettes in the late 1950’s, sang on The American Freedom Train when it made it’s stop in CA in 1976, and was a member of the Hi Jolly chapter of the Sweet Adelines Barbershop chorus in Yuma, AZ. She enjoyed puzzles, cruises to Mexico, garage sales, Southern Gospel Music, card games with her sister, painting, crocheting and creative plastic canvas projects. She was sensitive to stray cats needing her help. Shirley leaves behind her feline family – Boopy Lucy, Spikey Tike, Kayla and Festus.
Shirley is survived by her children – Timothy (Mary) Gustafson of La Mesa, CA and Susan Gustafson of Berrien Springs, MI; grandchildren – Ernest Michael (Samantha) Ruiz of Benton Harbor and Lesley Shea Lockwood of North Carolina; and great grandchildren – Owen, Emmitt and Amelia; and former spouse – Ernest E. Gustafson, Jr. of Chino, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Betty Kirksey, Charles Barnwell and Larry Barnwell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday – April 12, 11:00am, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel with Minister Peter Bumpass officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 10:00-11:00am. Private burial follows the service at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, MI. Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Church of Christ – Empire Ave., Benton Harbor, MI or to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Knab, Utah 84741. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.