To Our Mother
Thank you for always loving us and guiding us. Even though you are no longer here with us, we can still feel your love guiding us. You are always in our hearts. We love you and miss you dearly.
To Our Sister
As I walk through my life without my sister, we take comfort in knowing she is resting in peace.
~ Acknowledgements ~
Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part. Special thanks to Baptist Desoto ICU Team and Step-Down Team, as well as Ashley from the West Cancer Clinic in Southaven, MS.
The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
Rodney Batts
Justin Batts
Jonathan Batts
Brian Batts
Jerry M. Harrison
~ Active Pallbearers ~
Christopher Collins
Travis Boone
Joel Oliver
Danny May
Michael Boone
Wesley Futrell
Steve Yokley
~ Interment & Committal Rites ~
Saturday, January 11, 2025 • 2:30 P.M. New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road Memphis, Tennnessee 38109
~ Repast ~
The Whitehaven Banquet Hall 4318 Graceland Drive Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Distinctive Services by
Love Linda, Perron, Rita
Life’s Reflections
Mrs. Shirley Ann Flemming Batts was born May 13, 1944, to the late Mary Louise Flemming Burchett and the late Napoleon Harrison in Capleville, Tn. She was the oldest of Mary’s four children.
She obeyed God’s word and was baptized at Oakville M.B. Church under the pastorship of the late Rev. Thompson. She was a longtime member of Oakville’s Mass Choir.
Shirley was educated in the Memphis and Shelby County School System and at LeMoyne-Owen College. She received a Master of Education from Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, TN. She taught in the Memphis City Schools for more than twenty-five years and worked parttime for Ole Miss College in the Adult Education Program. She also worked at LeMoyne-Owen College as the Coordinator for the DeWittWallace Pathways to Teaching Program.
Evangelist M.B. Church was her second home, and the members were always referred to as her second family. (The Tuesday Gang was her family.). She was a member of the Mother Board and served as a “temporary” choir member (until a soprano was found). Mother Batts truly loved her church family.
In 1961, Shirley married Lonnie Batts, Jr. who preceded her in death. Memories of Shirley will be left to her children (she called them her flowers): Rodney S. Batts, Norma J. Sallis, Libby D. Tate (Rodney), Jonathan B. Batts, Justin K. Batts (Shawnese), Brian A. Batts (Kela), two sisters, Linda S. Burchett of Memphis, TN and Rita L. Burchett-Smith (Glen) of Southaven, MS and one brother, Perron Burchett of Rockford, Il. She had two brothers who preceded her in death, Charles L. Harrison, Sr. and Napoleon Harrison.
She leaves love, guidance, wisdom, and knowledge to her 12 grandchildren: Andrea Wooten (Roderick), Kimberly Bearden (Errick), Rodney Tate, Jr., Raven Tate, Jerry Sallis, Jr. Raven Henderson, Brian Batts, Jr., Justin Batts, II, Brandon Batts, Ahjae’ Batts, Briana Batts, and Brycen Batts. Seven great-grandchildren: Kyra Bearden, Amari Spates, Jamaya Tate, Errick Bearden, Jr., Roderick Wooten, Jr., Jayce Sallis, and Jhai Sallis (preceded her in death).
Her lifetime included a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, neighbors, co-workers, and special friends, namely, The LeMoyne-Owen College Gang. There were two people that were very special in her lifetime. Her niece Trena Tillman (Shannon) and her caregiver Kathy Seymore.
In Loving Memory of our ‘Wonderful Grandmother
Of all the special gifts in life however great or small, to have you as our Grandmother was the greatest gift of all.
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear “We love and miss you Grandmother and wish that you were here”
Deep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there.
A silent thought, a secert tear keeps your memort ever near in our hearts forever.
Love, Your Grands & Great Grands
