Shirley “Jean” Alexander
Shirley “Jean” Alexander was born on September 8, 1939, in Fulton County, Kentucky, to the late Edrell Bransford Mosley and Melvin Barnett. She was affectionately known to her husband and children as “Myrtle Jean.”
Jean attended the former Miles High School. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ and remained a devoted and faithful member of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church until her homegoing. During her active years in the church, she faithfully served as President of the Mothers Board and the Mission Board and was also a member of the former Senior Choir. Jean was well known for her delicious egg custard pies and her famous chicken and dressing, which many loved and enjoyed.
Jean was employed for several years at the former Libby’s Department Store, where she worked faithfully.
On September 28, 1958, Jean was united in holy matrimony to Willis “Ballie” Alexander. Their loving union was blessed with five children: Willis Jr., Rodney, Renee, Shannon, and Patrick.
Jean loved shopping, beautiful jewelry, and fine clothing. She always took pride in her appearance. It was rare to see her without her hair perfectly styled and her makeup done, especially her lipstick. Even during her time in the hospital, she would remind her daughters to make sure her face and lipstick were done.
Jean leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Willis Alexander; her children, Rodney (Toni) Alexander of Jackson, Tennessee; Renee (Charles Ray) Yanders of Union City, Tennessee; Shannon (Gerick) Thompson of Lake Cormorant, Mississippi; and Patrick Alexander of Union City, Tennessee.
She also leaves her stepmother, Ruthie Barnett of South Fulton, Tennessee; eight grandchildren: Brandi (Justin) Jefferies of Las Vegas, Nevada; Ali (Jeremy) Carter of Topeka, Kansas; Jordan Davis of Nashville, Tennessee; Tyler Yanders of Hyattsville, Maryland; Shyon Stephens and Cameron Harris of Union City, Tennessee; Alesha Alexander of Houston, Texas; and Chase Thompson of Lake Cormorant, Mississippi; and eight great-grandchildren.
In addition, she leaves a very special sister-in-law and cousin, Joanne (James) Alexander of South Fulton, Tennessee; her siblings, Marie Turner and Pearlie (Kenny) Wiggins, both of Franklin, Tennessee; Flora Freeman, Pam (Anthony) Davis, Tony Mosley, and Danny (Myra) Mosley, all of Union City, Tennessee; Regina Pitts of Norfolk, Virginia; Eddie (Nell) Mosley of Temple, Texas; and Melvin Barnett, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia.
She also leaves two special cousins, Debra Brooks of Paducah, Kentucky and Avis Brooks of South Fulton, Tennessee; along with two close friends, Doris Bass of Union City, Tennessee and Hardine Sadler of Memphis, Tennessee.
Jean was preceded in death by her son, Willis Alexander, Jr., her parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 at Brooks Chapel Kingdom Harvest Church in South Fulton. Burial will follow in East View Cemetery with Pastor A.E. McCadney officiating.
Visitation will be held at Brooks Chapel Kingdom Harvest Church from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of services Friday.
Pallbearers will be Grant Blair, Gregory Ward, Jerry Ward, Ronald Ward, Deacon Jones, Michael Merritt and Wayne Thomas.
Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews.
For additional information, contact Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home at (731) 885-1033.
