Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Emma Jean Shiflett went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 16, 2017. Family members awaiting her arrival in Glory include her parents Mae Patton Weisman (d April 22, 2002) and Emmett Mock Weisman (d April 10, 1981), brother Richard Thomas Weisman (d April 7, 2007), grandson Joshua Robert Olshaw (d October 24, 2015), and daughter Debra Lynn Shiflett Olshaw (d February 6, 2017).  

Jean made her appearance in her grandparents home March 5,1936 during a huge blizzard in Fries, Virginia, a small village in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jean attended school in Fries until 1950 when her family relocated to Cumberstone Road, West River, MD. Jean attended Southern High School. Before this move she had never been more than 25 miles away from Fries. 

Jean became a Christian while attending a revival service in Fries. In Maryland her dear friend, Yvonne Moreland Burns introduced Jean to the love of her life, George Mckinley Shiflett. Their first date was attending a prayer meeting at the Annapolis First Church of the Nazarene. After a 6-month courtship they united in marriage on July 2, 1953. It was so hot that day, the candles melted without being lit.

Jean provided a loving home for her family that included two daughters Coni Jean Shiflett Giannini and Debra Lynn Shiflett Olshaw. Jean was known for her generous hospitality and good home cooking. Frequent guests included midshipmen, church friends and extended family for holiday celebrations and Sunday dinners. Many of her recipes have been passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Jean had many interests and talents. An excellent seamstress, she made clothes for herself, her daughters and numerous Barbie dolls. Jean enjoyed counted cross-stitch and folk art painting, and shared her talent by gifting many items to family and friends. She loved to be outside in all seasons. A natural gardener with a designer’s eye for landscaping, many people commented on the beautiful yard. She also enjoyed long walks and hiking in the area.

In retirement Jean and George camped cross country three times and visited mainland Canada and Nova Scotia

Jean’s church family will recall the many roles and tasks she willingly took on, including hosting Bible Studies, church missions, and dinners as well as wherever her energy was most needed.

Jean is survived by her husband of 64 years, George Mckinley Shiflett, daughter Coni (Bob) Giannini, and granddaughters Neva Giannini (Jan Henriksen), Teresa Giannini, and Mara (Joe) Collinson as well as son-in-law Bob Olshaw and granddaughter Abigail Olshaw. Jean will be greatly missed by her best friend and sister, Sandra Rogers.

Burial will be private.

All are invited to attend a memorial service at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4012 Birdsville Road, Davidsonville Md. 21035 on December 2, 2017. The 11 o’clock service will be followed by a reception in the church hall.  

Donations in honor of Jean’s life and love of the church may be made to the Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

On line condolences may be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.

Emma Jean Shiflett

Emma Jean Shiflett

Emma Shiflett Services

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