Of Charlotte, MI passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services at the age of 88. Barbara was the daughter of Clayton C. and Dorothy (Young) VanGieson born May 21, 1931 in Jackson, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Herman Shoemake; her parents; three daughters, Shelly Cobb, Sharon Bidlack and Judy Fightner; two son-in-laws, David Bidlack and Richard Sharlow; brother, James A VanGieson; brother-in-law, Darwin Watts; special uncle, Rollo B. VanGieson; Barbara is survived by four children, Laura (Richard) Sharlow, Deborah (Larry) Clark, Brian (Ann) McClure and Karen (Jim) Moreen; 13 grandchildren, Chad Bidlack, Christina (Derek) Zimmerman, Todd Bidlack, Brian (Elizabeth) Sharlow, Deanna (Michael) Worden, Emily (Thomas) Chandler, Sara (Jeff) Belcher, Morgan (Kristin) McClure, Travis (Nicole) Cobb, Jane Bowen, Mark (Ann) Bowen, Trae (Jenae) Moreen, and Katelin (Matt) Ward; 23 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Tyler, Diane, Ryan, Brenden, Nathan, Colin, Erin, Dylan, Cole, Zoe, Lucas, Trent, Brock, Sloan, Hannah, Andrew, Celia, James IV , Logan, Meara, Delaney and Spencer; three sisters, Janice Watts, Kay (Rex) Swihart and Amy (James) Cranmore. Barbara attended Jackson High School, she worked for the Federal Government as a Rural Letter Carrier at the Wixom Post Office retiring after 20 years of service. She was a member of South Jackson Community Church. Barbara enjoyed politics, social aspects of organizing through union post office, Area State Steward #8 and the Democratic Party, camping, snowmobiling, being with her family, going to their sporting events, taking her grandkids to Tiger ballgames and her friends at Novi Inn. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at the South Jackson Community Church 1024 Kimmel Road, Jackson, M 49201, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 3:00pm, Pastor Steven Brown officiating. Interment will follow at South Jackson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Jackson Community Church.
Family will receive friends at the church from 2:00pm until the time of service.
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