Shirley Ann Louis

Ms. Shirley Ann Louis, affectionately known as "Shell," "Shell-Ann," or "Shirl," peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on December 4, 1953, in Duncan, Mississippi, to Emma Cannon.

Her seventy-year journey began under the loving care of her grandparents, Mr. William Cooks and Mrs. Leaion Cooks. In pursuit of a better life for Shirl and her siblings, her grandparents made the decision to relocate to Gary, IN. This move allowed Shirley to embark on a beautiful life journey.

Shell embraced her faith and declared Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, leading to her baptism in the late 1960s at Jerusalem Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Donald L. Parson. Throughout her life, Shirley took great pride in this early commitment and honored its legacy by sharing her experiences as a member at Jerusalem. Later, she joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing.

She attended Roosevelt High School, one of Gary's historical educational staples. As a proud alumna, she often relished being "A Panther," graduating with the Class of 1971.

Shell was compassionate, driven by a genuine desire to ensure the comfort of those around her. This passion manifested in her career as a housekeeper. She was employed as a housekeeper for over 30 years and dedicated her last years of service to Tendercare Nursing Home. Patients, colleagues, and families adored her and affectionately called her "Ms. Shirley."

Family was at the core of Shell's being, particularly her two daughters and grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. There was a noticeable spark in her eyes and warmth in her tone whenever she spoke about her daughters and grandchildren. Her commitment to her family remained steadfast to the very end.

Without a shadow of a doubt, her family and friends firmly believed she was an unparalleled cook, earning the esteemed title of Master Chef. To be honest, she had the remarkable ability to make even a pot of boiled water taste great. Her extraordinary cooking style was beyond reproach, and in the eyes of her loved ones, there was no room for debate on this matter. She expressed endless love to family and friends through her culinary skills and warm spirit. Beyond the kitchen, she found joy in talking on the phone, playing BINGO, engaging in phone games, and scrolling through Facebook, where she eagerly anticipated "likes." Known for her kindhearted nature, she served as a local therapist to many, radiating spirit and joy in every interaction.

Ms. Shirley Louis left behind many broken hearts with her departure and will be deeply missed. Her memory will be cherished by her (2) daughters, NaTanya Louis and Krystle Louis (Jose M); (7) grandchildren, Gabrielle Taylor, DeAndra Choice Jr., Jaylen Mirelez, Brooklynn Mirelez, Xzaiver Garcia, Izaiah Crawford, and Amayiah Crawford; (6) sisters, Velma Rucker-Moore of Gary, IN, Precella Pryor of Indianapolis, IN, Genevieve Cannon of Jeffersonville, IN, Christine Cannon-Nelson (Mike) of Pontiac, MI, Bertha Cannon-Redeemer (Johnny) of Saginaw, MI, and Karen Mims (Antwan) of Saginaw, MI; (3) brothers, Earnest Tyler of Gary, IN, Pete Cannon (Janice) of Saginaw, MI and Albert Watson of Saginaw, MI; (1) special cousin, Marilyn Fullerton of Chicago, IL; (4) goddaughters,  Lisa Stewart, Carolynn Brookins, Shaun Welch, and Chiquita Powell; (1) godson, Sam Jenkins; special nieces and nephews, Khrishana, Terrence, Ebony, Nikki, Tasha, Arias, Sheila, Day Day, Trina, Mario, Brandon, Fred, and Bernard; best friend, Eva Mae Culbert; special friends, James Foster, Sandra Powell, Susan Bibbs, Barbara Crook, Myron McNair, and Lois McNair; childhood friend, Jacquelyn Holmes (BB); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Cannon (Isiah Cannon Sr); grandparents, William and Leaion Cooks; great grandmother, Emma Bell (Madear); special aunt, Leola  Wright; mother-in-love, Luella Watson; sisters, Catherine Kelly, Brenda Cannon, and Denise Cannon; brothers, Johnny Hinds, Isiah Cannon Jr., Alvin Cannon, Larry Cannon and Andrew Cannon, brothers-in law, Rev. William Pryor and Rev. Wilie Moore Jr.; best friend, Robert York Jr.; and special nephews, Mark Watson, Anthony Cannon Jr., and Allen Hutson (Shane).

The family would like to express thanks to everyone who has kept us lifted in prayer during the course of our bereavement. Special thanks to Davita Dialysis Towne Center, Barb Kish CNP of Janes St Clinic and Covenant Visiting Nursing Hospice and special thanks to Odessa York, VNA.