Shirley Baker Platt

March 11, 2021

Shirley Baker Platt, 85, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away March 11, 2021 at Sharon Towers. She was born on April 26, 1935 in Webster, New York to Harmon and Sallie Baker. Shirley had a beautiful, artistic, optimistic spirit and was a tireless caregiver to family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her three daughters and son-in-law: Elizabeth Platt of New York, Nancy Platt Whitmore and Rob Whitmore of Charlotte, and Jennifer Clark Platt of Massachusetts, as well by her beloved grandchildren: Brooks Whitmore and his wife Bess, Sarah Whitmore, William Glover and Stuart Glover.   Shirley is also survived by her loving sister Sallie Orlowsky of New Jersey, sister-in-law Corinne Baker of Pennsylvania, and a dozen nieces and nephews.  

Shirley graduated from University of Rochester with a fine arts degree, married a Naval officer, and settled her growing family in homes across the US and the world including Athens, GA, Pittsburgh, PA, Annandale, VA and Charleston, SC, Taiwan and Spain. In addition to raising three daughters, Shirley managed an interior design business. She was a masterful cook and “foodie”, passionate about healthy eating and nutritional healing.   An avid reader, relentless student and book lover, Shirley pursued interests in many topics but favorites included architecture, design, the environment, philosophy, and antiques. Her last home before settling at Sharon Towers was Charleston where she pursued two other passions – restoration of a 1800s antebellum home and gardening. Shirley’s spirit will certainly be with her family, friends and her treasured 10 Limehouse.

Shirley connected deeply with her friends, new and old, and was so thankful for those relationships, many of which spanned a lifetime. She strongly believed that all people are equal and was always open to hearing others’ viewpoints and beliefs.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the residents and staff at Sharon Towers for the wonderful friendships she experienced as well as the caring support she received during her years there. Shirley’s memorial will be held privately with immediate family due to continuing restrictions. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to preserve The Angel Oak: ­­­­­Lowcountry Land Trust 635 Rutledge Ave, Suite 107 Charleston, SC 29403 or the Residents’ Assistance Fund at Sharon Towers, 5100 Sharon Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com

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  • David Hentchel

    I knew Shirley and her daughter Elizabeth forty years ago and got out of touch some time back. We went through a self actualization workshop together and dhe was a steady friend as I navigated a period of personal and spiritual disruption.
    I miss you, Shirley, you are in my heart.

  • Don Peterson

    My wife, son, and I stayed at 10 Limehouse for 4 days several years ago. My wife had an early form of Alzheimer’s called FTD frontal temporal dementia. After our first day of getting to know one another Shirley told me to take my son golfing and she and my wife would enjoy a little girls day out together. My wife struggled with walking, couldn’t really be understood when she talked, and needed help eating. I wasn’t sure Shirley knew what she was getting in to but she let me know that she would really enjoy their time. She spent four hours walking and caring for my wife while my son and I were free to spend time together. This was obviously not something that would normally happen at a bed n breakfast, but Shirley was surely:) not your typical host. I felt a very close bond with her in a brief 4 day vacation. She was one of kind. I wish I could have stayed there again before she left us. All my best to her girls of which she talked about while we were together.

  • Emily Murr

    I am so sorry to learn of Shirleys death. We became friends through working at Tuesday Morning. She was a lovely and interesting person and I shared some wonderful learning experiences with her. I feel blessed to have known her.

  • Pat Arnold

    I will miss our conversations and eating out together. She was a dear friend and a very lovely lady in all ways. It was a pleasure and good fortune to know her here at Sharon Towers.

  • Debbie Durrell

    You were one of my favorites. Such a sweet spirit and boundless energy and kindness. Sending condolences to the whole family. Shirley was top on my list for a visit once the campus opened up again after Covid. I will really miss her.

  • Jann McKellar

    We shared many good times. She made my heart happy. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.

  • Judy Grady

    I am sooo sorry for your loss. Just know I care. Sending prayers and peace to Nancy and the entire family. Sincerely, Judy Grady