Shirley Jean Merriwether

Shirley Jean “Butch” Merriwether, age 83, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Creator on November 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant, bold, and unmistakably original as the African textiles she loved to design. Born May 5, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James and Louise "Lorraine" (Carthon) Merriwether, Shirley was a woman carved from conviction, creativity, and an unshakeable love for God. She moved through life with a no-nonsense wit, a fun-loving spirit, and a fierce devotion to service, to her community, her family, and her calling.

A proud graduate of Manual High School, Class of 1960, Shirley continued her academic journey and earned a degree in Chemistry. This foundation fueled her groundbreaking work in healthcare and scientific research. Her commitment to learning and excellence became a defining thread throughout her life.

She served proudly as a Navy Corpsman from 1962–1964, tending to others with discipline and compassion. From there, she stepped into the world of medicine as an LPN specializing in Labor and Delivery from 1966–1972, guiding new lives into the world with calm hands and a steady heart. Her scientific gifts blossomed during her years as a Laboratory Scientist at Children’s Mercy Hospital from 1973–1979. She later expanded her impact even further, contributing to vaccine development in a private laboratory from 1979–1984, work grounded in her mastery of chemistry and her dedication to service.

Her final professional chapter was one of leadership and advocacy as the Executive Director of St. Mark’s United Inner City Services, where she uplifted families, empowered youth, and stood firmly for her community’s growth and well-being.

Beyond her professional brilliance, Shirley’s creativity thrived in every corner of her life. She was a gifted designer with a rare eye for African textiles, stitching heritage, memory, and imagination into each garment she created. Her travels across West and Central Africa fed her spirit and deepened her connection to her roots. In the kitchen, she moved with the same intuitive genius, crafting unforgettable meals seasoned with natural herbs, roots, and spices, never once giving in to anything processed. Her cooking held both tradition and artistry, nourishing body and soul.

She lived fully and fearlessly, the laughter in the room, the storyteller with the sharp tongue and soft heart, the steady presence whose love could anchor an entire family. Her devotion to God was unshakable, and her devotion to family was the thread that bound generations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lorraine Merriwether; her sisters Betty Jean Merriwether, Ruby Russell, and Lilly Logan; her daughter-in-law, Tamiko Merriwether; and her granddaughter, Marietta.

Her legacy continues through her beloved children, Micheal Merriwether and Terra Purifoye (Terence); her cherished niece, Tanice Logan; her grandchildren, Latrenda Ndwine, Aleasa Merriwether, and Anthony Merriwether (Katherine); and her great-grandchildren, Daniel and Her Ndwine. Each carries forward her strength, her creativity, her humor, and her unwavering love.

Special Acknowledgments

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated teams at KCVA Dialysis Center, The University of Kansas Hospital – Cambridge Neurology, Bell Tower, The Heart Institute, and Home-Based Primary Care. Your compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment helped sustain her with dignity and grace.

A very special and deeply personal thank you goes to Sonya Anders and Denika Smith, the extraordinary caregivers who supported her from January 2013 through November 28, 2025. Shirley loved them dearly and embraced them as her “bonus daughters.”

Shirley also cherished a circle of beloved bonus daughters who filled her life with joy, loyalty, and sisterhood: Alison Bolin, Traka Martyniuk, Marvette Walker, Denise Dillard, Karen McClish, Stephanie Bunting, Deborah “Songbird” Davis, Rebecca Cobbinah, and Jamelle Humphrey. Each one was a gift to her spirit.

Her life was equally enriched by her bonus sons, Sean Tyler and Torean Walker, whose presence, care, and respect brought her comfort and strength.

We further acknowledge Paula and Royce, who cared for her with gentleness and devotion during her later years.

A loving salute goes to Buddy Bill, her cherished dialysis driver, whose kindness and humor brightened her days, and to Mr. Fry, who watched over her with unwavering care and attentiveness.

The family expresses profound gratitude to her St. Mark’s church family for their prayers, support, and spiritual covering.

Finally, the family extends sincere thanks to Serenity Funeral Home for their professionalism, compassion, and care during this tender season.

Shirley lived loudly, loved deeply, and left this world draped in the beauty she created. Her story does not end here; it continues in every life she touched, every stitch she sewed, every prayer she whispered, and every generation rising under the light she left behind.