Obituaries for July 27, 2009

Shirley Clapp

Shirley May Clapp, 83, of Baker City, died July 23, 2009, at Ashley Manor Assisted Living.

Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Lennie Spooner of the Baker City Church of the Nazarene will officiate. Visitations will be from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.

Shirley was born on Aug. 30, 1925, at Haines. She was the third and youngest child of Milton Charles and Elva Leona White Clapp. Shirley attended Haines grade school and high school.

After her father’s death, she and her mother moved to Pendleton where she graduated from high school in 1943. Shirley lived with her mom until her death in 1992.

While living in Pendleton, she became a certified nursing assistant and worked at that for several years. She never married, but gathered lots of good friends through the years.

Shirley loved music and played the piano, organ and the guitar. She was always happy and content with whatever came her way, be it good times or bad, family members said.

She loved to tat small crosses and give them to people she’d meet on the street. Everyone who received a tatted cross felt blessed by her. She was one of the few people left who knew that art form, according to her family.

“She was a bright light to everyone who knew her and will be dearly missed,” they said. “She had an uplifting Bible verse memorized for every occasion and was happy to talk to anyone about her Lord.”

Survivors include her oldest brother and his wife, Eldon and Norma Clapp; two nieces and their husbands, Linda and Elliott Rosenberg and Terri and Bob Sternfield, and a nephew and his wife, Steve and Tracy Clapp, all living in Chicago; and five great-nephews and three great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father; her mother; and an older brother, Howard “Bud” Clapp.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice through the Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.

‘Jimmy’ Brown

James “Jimmy” Brown, 49, of La Grande, died July 17, 2009, in a motorcycle accident.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Loveland Chapel, 1508 Fourth St., in La Grande. A private celebration will be scheduled later.

Jimmy was born on May 17, 1960, at La Grande to J.J. “Jiggs” and Charlotte Brown. He was the eldest of four sons. He became a father later in life. His two children, Brianna, 4, and Cody, 2, were the love and light of his life, his family said.

Jimmy was a businessman who opened up employment opportunities for many aspiring young workers. He loved the outdoors and excelled at water and snow skiing, fishing and hunting.

Jimmy was very involved in his community, and was a great worker and supporter of Celebrate La Grande, where he handled all of the music and entertainment at Max Square.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Stephen and Darilyn, and Van and Tina; his grandmother, Dottie Brown; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents; and his brother, Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Celebrate La Grande through Loveland Chapel.