Shirley Ilene Heath-Jean was born on November 30, 1969, to Alford and Viola Heath. The youngest of seven children, Shirley was spoiled and grew up as a firm and strong young lady in Belle Glade, Florida. Shirley accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in her hometown church of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. She graduated from Glades Central High School in 1988 and showed interest in accounting but her passion for people led her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant at Glades General Hospital.
Shirley was affectionately known as Patsy and never met a stranger. She loved to travel and was often seen in the latest fashion trends from head to toe. In 1997, Shirley relocated to Columbus, Ohio and four years later on July 25th, married the love of her life Edner Jean. Their love proved to withstand tragedy because on May 29, 2002, she was left paralyzed from an automobile accident. While doctors gave up on her, God said, ‘Not yet.’ Her loving husband, devoted mother and sisters stepped in to help care and protect her as her life was forever changed.
Despite being bedridden, Shirley stood tall in spirit. Even with her physical challenges, she always reached out and encouraged others. When you left her bedside or got off the phone with her, you knew just how special you were. She touched the lives of so many with her infectious smile and her soft-spoken voice would take charge of any room.
It was in the early morning hours as the sun was starting to shine on July 26, 2022, Shirley Ilene Heath-Jean departed this life in Columbus, Ohio.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Alford Heath; grandmother, Mary Lee Williams; brother, Edward Pyfrom; sister, Pithenia Gramany; aunts, Frankie Mae Williams-Washington; Mattie Bell; and nephews, Howard A. James, Jr. and Robert E. Williams, Jr.
Shirley leaves to cherish her memory husband, Edner Jean; son, Ednerson Jean; mother, Viola Heath; sisters, Patricia Pyfrom, Joyce (Fredrick) Teye (Ohio), Lynda (Calvin) Long (Georgia), and Jennifer Heath (Connecticut); brothers, Robert E. (Deborah) Williams, Sr. (Florida), Orville ‘Rockey’ Heath (Jamaica), and Bradley Heath (Florida); aunts, Minnie Cox (Florida) and Jessie M. Thomas (Ohio); uncles, Charlie (Betty) Williams (Florida) and Willie (Brenda) Williams (Florida); nieces, and nephews, Chun (Susan) Milner; Edward (Kenyada) Pyfrom, III, LaZandra Pyfrom, Chiquita Garmany, Jannita Garmany, Edward N. Pyfrom, Demond James, Robert (Samantha) Garmany, III, Fayona (James) Curenton, Sierra (Robert) Long, and Calvin Long, II; great nieces and great nephews, John (Samantha) Jones, Jr., T’Keyah James, Ahneisa James, Armaan Sahr, Chaquala Garmany, Nevaeh Garmany, Sema’J Garmany, Carmiyah Garmany; Brandy Roush, Carmelia Kimble, Carmaurie Roush, Mikkita Dixon, Zakiya James, Ronequa Johnson, Ke’yanni Stargell, LaVaudia Davis, Luchene Davis, Carmichael Dillow, Alice Price, Andrew Price, Cedric Taylor, Daelon Johnston, Fredric Taylor, Nevaeh Taylor, Deyona Johnston, Starr Taylor; Saniyah Sykes, Gabrielle Daniels, Aubree James, and Amari Sykes James; and a host of cousins, blended family, friends and loved ones.
Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, August 6, 2022 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.
Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.
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In loving memory of Shirley Heath-Jean,
Hey sis sending my heartfelt condolence to your family I’m going to miss talking & hearing your voice I love you and miss you already… Mikey-mike, Tynesia , & Bj often asked about you, sleep on and take you to rest till we meet again Love you always Xoxoxo
Patsy Patsy you did leave me but God knows, you are only resting for that glorious day when we all will wake up to meet him in the air . My little sister Rest In Peace gone but not forgotten love always My sincere condolences to all of us families
May God bless and comfort you all at your time of bereavement.
To the family you have my deepest condolences. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Shirley who was so close to you.