Shirley Flatt Carnahan

Shirley Flatt Carnahan, a devoted nurse, faithful Catholic, and cherished mother and grandmother, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi, just one week shy of her 70th birthday. Born on November 19, 1955, in Waltham, Massachusetts, Shirley’s life was a testament to compassion, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and community.

She was preceded in death by her father, Maj. Bryan A. Flatt; her mother, Clara Meigs Flatt; her brother, Daron Flatt; her sister-in-law, Joyce Hinton Flatt (Sidney); and her nephew, Cody Flatt.

Shirley is survived by her son, Evan Carnahan of Jackson, MS; her grandsons, Aleijah Carnahan and Ashton Carnahan of Crystal Springs, MS; her stepmother, Elizabeth Flatt of Northfield, IL; her sister, Nancy Flatt Cher of Warner Robbins, GA; her brothers, Sidney Flatt of Lumberton, MS, and William Flatt (Grace) of Winnetka, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of kindness.

Raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, Shirley graduated from Gulfport East High School in 1973. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She launched a distinguished career as a Registered Nurse at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, where she swiftly advanced to nursing supervisor. Her professional journey continued in Jackson at Baptist Hospital of Mississippi, Merit Health Rankin, and Mississippi Blood Services. Throughout her decades in nursing, Shirley was renowned for her profound empathy and commitment to preserving the dignity of every patient in her care.

As a regular attendant of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jackson, Shirley lived her faith through quiet acts of service and an enduring focus on helping those around her. Even in illness, she radiated positivity and a sharp sense of humor that brightened every room she entered.

As a loving mother and grandmother, Shirley placed education at the heart of her family’s values. She and her son Evan shared an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through life’s joys and challenges. In her final months, Evan returned the profound dignity she had so generously given to countless others, ensuring her comfort and peace.

Shirley’s life was a beacon of grace and selflessness. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.

There will be a visitation at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Drive, Flowood, MS, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 am (no formal visitation before mass). Following mass, she will be laid to rest in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is handling her arrangements for Mass and Interment. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com