Shirley Washington-Burt

Shirley Washington-Burt was born on October 29, 1956, to the late Alma Hughes and James Luckett. She passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in Carmel, Indiana.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley graduated from Provine High School in 1974 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978. In 1979, she married Henry Washington, and they welcomed two children, Tiffanie and Torrey, later parting ways but remaining friends. On September 5, 2020, she married Lee Burt.

Shirley began her career in Jackson before moving to Indianapolis. Her commitment to public service included work at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Hamilton County Probation Department, and the Indiana Department of Corrections. She also worked at Volunteers of America as a re-entry specialist. Throughout her career, she was especially passionate about helping women rebuild their lives and successfully transition back into their communities and families.

To us, she was Mom, and bringing family together was one of the ways she showed her love. To her eight grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Grandma Shirley.” Through cooking and hosting, she made her home a gathering place for loved ones who might otherwise not see one another. Her generosity was especially felt during the holidays. Even when we drew names, Mom still bought for everyone, usually spending more than she should. And her ongoing battles with technology gave us all plenty to smile about.

Mom enjoyed traveling throughout the Midwest and South and, more recently, internationally. As she settled into retirement, she was embracing the freedom to explore more of the world.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Lee Burt; her daughter, Tiffanie Merriman; her son, Torrey (Marissa) Washington; her eight grandchildren, Cameron Bryan Holcomb, Makenzie Elise Holcomb, Maisy Anne Holcomb, Marley Abigale Merriman, Adalee Brielle Washington, Preston Michael Washington, Sterling Henry Washington, and Vivian Monroe Washington; her siblings, Mary (Willie) Robinson, Dorothy Harris, Larry (Martha) Hughes, and Carolyn (Van) Jefferson; and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with services at 2:00 pm, on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary, 12010 Allisonville Road, in Fishers.

We will honor Mom’s memory by showing others the kindness, love, and appreciation she gave so freely, and by advocating for safe, compassionate care for every patient and every family.