Berlie Wise Shifflett

Berlie Wise Shifflett, affectionately known as “Memaw”, age 93, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Her beloved granddaughter, Leslie, was with her. She was born February 5, 1932, in Union County, MS; one of four daughters born to Joe and Estelle (Benjamin) Wise. Berlie was a member of First Baptist Church of Olive Branch, MS. Five of the best words to describe this amazing lady are loving, nurturing, kind, supportive and devoted.

Berlie graduated from Pinedale School in 1949. Shortly after graduating, she went to work at the City Cafe as a waitress. That’s where she met the “love of her life,” Kenneth Whitfield Shifflett. Berlie & Kenneth were married on June 30, 1950; their union continued for 70 years. After five years, they started their family. They had two sons and one daughter.

Berlie worked at Kellogg’s in Memphis from August 18, 1959 to June 29, 1992, nearly 33 years. One of the first women at Kellogg’s to drive a forklift in the warehouse, she was “really good” at her job! While working full-time, Berlie & Kenneth built their home in Olive Branch, MS where she resided until the time of her death.

Some of Berlie’s greatest joys in life were hosting her family for meals, especially for the Holidays. Her kitchen table was the gathering place for her family where she would cook fresh vegetables, grown and put up from her garden. She was known for having the best biscuits and gravy and unforgettable chocolate pies! Berlie loved traveling with her friends from Kellogg’s and her sister, Bernece.

Berlie is preceded in death by her parents Joe & Estella Wise, husband Kenneth Whitfield Shifflett, son Kenneth Wayne Shifflett, sisters May Robins, Faye Fields, Evelyn Kelley and her brother Rayburn Wise.

Berlie is survived by her son Larry Dale Shifflett (Donna), daughter Deborah S Marxsen (Todd) and daughter-in-law Cheryl Shifflett, grandchildren Jason, Todd William, Leslie, Dawn, Shelby, Tommy, Katie, Chad, and her sister, Bernece Whitehead. She also leaves behind thirteen beautiful great-grandchildren who she loved very much.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Breakthrough T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) - https://listwr.com/MEx99Q

Berlie’s favorite scripture was Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days if my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

"REST IN PEACE OUR SWEET MOTHER/MEMAW”

Love you “ALWAYS” to the moon and back

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 9-10 am with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Southwoods.