Shirlee L Blackmun

Shirlee L Blackmun, age 89, peacefully passed away on June 24, 2024 with family by her side. A 30 year resident of San Juan Capistrano, she loved the rustic beauty of the town and relished it’s artistic community.

Shirlee was born Shirlee Lorene Bailor on November 8, 1934 to Fern Bailor and Francis Bailor in Los Angeles, California; she had the good fortune to be a twin sister to Beverlee Jean Bailor who was her sister and life long best friend.

She met the love of her life, Robert L Blackmun, in Junior High School where they shared dance class, charmed each other, and were forever inseparable. After she graduated from Glendale High School they married on June 26, 1953 and soon started a family. Together their marriage brought them three beautiful children, Steven, Leslie, and Lisa. She was a loving mother and we loved her deeply.

 Shirlee was an accomplished artist, well known in the Southern California artistic community. During her creative years, she loved gathering most Thursday mornings to meet and paint with her close art friends. Shirlee’s work was displayed on magazine covers, in art studio’s, and personal exhibitions. She was known for her bold, colorful oil paintings of seascapes, portraits, and beach scenes.

Shirlee is survived by her daughters Leslie (Bob) Schultz, Lisa Briggs, and her loving half-sister Coralee (Dave) Lewis. Her grandchildren include Kristi (Danny) Easterly, Jessica (Matt) Lewis, Kelly Blackmun, Matthew Briggs, and Cara Briggs. Shirlee’s four great grandchildren include James, Annalee, Wyatt, and Alyssa. She was proceeded in death by husband Robert L. Blackmun, her beloved son Steven (Patty) Blackmun and twin sister Beverlee Jean.

Her life will be celebrated on July 25, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in the Wee Kirk o’ the Heather Chapel located in Forest Lawn - Glendale; 1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205.