Shirley Dean Baker

Shirley Dean Baker, 81, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was a lifetime resident of Cleveland and was a dedicated Christian and gospel singer.

She was a self-made woman and owned her own businesses in the restaurant, childcare, and handmade retail industries.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Homer Marion Neyman, and her second husband, John (Bud) Baker; her parents, Luther and Mamie Wilson; sister, Lois Thurman; and four brothers, John Wilson, Robert Wilson, Bill Wilson, and Berl Wilson.

She is survived by her children, Annette Derrick (Jeremy), and Michelle Waninger (Cletus Howard), both of Cleveland; two stepsons and three stepdaughters; nine grandchildren, Josh Neyman, Jeremy Tankersley, Savannah Derrick, Kelsie Derrick, Destiny Crittenden, Desiree Baker, Daniel Dorman, Miracle Arnette, and Mattilyne Waninger; one great-granddaughter, Nadia Barrett; a sister, Bonnie Jenkins; three brothers, Charles Wilson and James Wilson of Cleveland, and Donnie Wilson of Ooltewah; and many loved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend Danny Arp officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Stacy, Michael, and Brandon Wilson, Jeremey Tankersley, Josh Neyman, Daniel Dorman, and Desiree Baker serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, at the funeral home, and again on Monday, from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Baker family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.