(1930-2024)

Sister Shirley Mary Heymes, formerly known as Sister James Barbara Heymes, died on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 94 years of age and in the 76th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Shirley was born in Detroit to Joseph and Marion (Korte) Heymes. She graduated from St. Ambrose High School in Detroit and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida in Gainesville.  

Sister Shirley ministered 46 years in education in Chicago; Fort Pierce, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Miami Shores, and Miami, Florida; Detroit and Harper Woods, Michigan; and Toledo and Defiance, Ohio, including four years as principal at St. Mary in Defiance. She was a volunteer for 11 years at the Dominican Literacy Center in Detroit. 

Sister Shirley became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William Heymes. She is survived by two brothers, Paul Heymes and James Heymes (Charlotte) and a sister, Barbara DeCrick of Brighton. 

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2024, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. 

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Recording of Sister Shirley's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Shirley's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

LEFT: The Heymes siblings, from left, Bill, Shirley, and Jim, circa 1932. MIDDLE: Graduation photo, St. Ambrose High School, Detroit, 1947. RIGHT: Wedding day photo of Sister Shirley’s parents, Maron (Korte) and Joseph Heymes (seated), with Bill Korte and Leona Korte (standing).

LEFT: From left, Sisters Bernitha Glombowski, Janet Persyk, and Shirley Heymes. MIDDLE: Sisters Margaret Lane, left, and Shirley Heymes. RIGHT: From left, Sisters Mary Saynay, Shirley Heymes, and Janet Persyk.

LEFT: Members of the 2017 Double-Diamond Jubilee December Reception Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Shirley Mary Heymes, Patricia Siemen (Prioress), Jeanne Burns, Shirley Thielk, Mary Saynay, and Marcine Klemm, and front row, from left, Sisters Theresa Nightingale, Margaret Lane, Kathleen Therese McCann, Janet Persyk, and Cyrilla Zarek. RIGHT: Celebrating their 2007 Diamond Jubilee are, from left, Sisters Shirley Heymes and Janet Persyk.

Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.