Shirlee Brant

Shirlee Elaine (Ramey) Harris-Brant was born on July 27, 1936, in Crumpler, West Virginia, to Oscar and Carrie Ramey. She passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 20, 2024, at the age of 88.

Shirlee attended Crumpler Elementary School and Norfolk Junior High School, and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1953. Following graduation, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, to live with her aunt, Rosalee Carrington (Aunt Rosie). While living in Columbus, she met and married the father of her children, Eugene “Dippy” Harris.

Shirlee was devoted to her church and family. A fashionista at heart, she loved baking, traveling, playing Scrabble, and hosting family and friends in her home. She enjoyed a good laugh and embraced life to the fullest. She worked for the Federal Glass Company before retiring as a supervisor from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Shirlee is preceded in death by her father, Oscar Ramey; mother, Carrie (Ramey) Graves; sisters, Morena Ramey and Dorsey Ramey; brother, Richard Ramey; daughters, Patrice (Darcel) Harris and Vicki Harris; son, Rodney Harris; and best friend of 60+ years, Thelma Black.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 30 years, Jesse Brant; daughter, Stacy Harris; eight grandchildren: Asha Harris, Chyna Johnson, Dion Harris, Jamila Harris, Jelani Harris-Pitts, Leija Harris, Seava Harris, and Shaanon (Lindsay) Chambers; five great-grandchildren: Dashawna Harris, Kamaira Harris, Major Harris, Nikita Harris, and Shiloh Harris; six great-great-grandchildren: Jamaya Harris, Shamieke Harris, Lamaya Harris, Lashawnta Harris, Ma'Khia Harris, and Zariyah Harris. She is also survived by her sisters, Odella Welch and Angela (Vernon) Ford; brother, Oscar (Brenda) Ramey, Jr.; step-children, Kimberly Brant, Kele’ Willis, Angela (Max) Jones, and J. Wells; six step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind long-time special friend, Thelma L. Black and Special friend, Inez Holmes; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirlee will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service immediately following at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service, 1370 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205.

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