Sames

Shirley Frances Baldwin Sames was born Oct. 9, 1937, to Martha B. Moreland Baldwin and Elmo L. Baldwin. After a decline in health, Shirley died Oct. 7, 2026. 

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Alan (Michelle) Sames and Kevin Baldwin (Karen) Sames; grandchildren,  Nathan Sames (Victoria) and Quinn (Adrian) Burrus Sames; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Donald Sames, in 2023, and her son, Joseph Donald Sames Jr., who died at birth. She was also preceded in death by her beloved parents and her siblings and their spouses: James Lewis Baldwin (Nancy), Joyce B. Logan (Charles) and Jerry Baldwin (Sue).

Shirley joined the church at age 11 in 1948. She graduated from Midway High School in 1955. Shirley and Joe started dating as teenagers and were married on April 27, 1956. Their marriage ceremony was conducted by Rev. Sherman Swan. 

In addition to life as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, cousin, aunt, grandmother and friend, Shirley also worked in state government in Frankfort, Kentucky, and later at Square D in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Shirley had many lifelong friends at Midway Baptist Church in the Golden Circle Sunday School Class, the choir and in the community. Shirley loved children both in the family and her community. As a result, she spent many years as an assistant teacher for a children’s Sunday school class at Midway Baptist Church. 

Shirley loved to give gifts, and her favorite gift of all was food. Her family, friends, church members and neighbors have all been recipients of many gifts in the form of food. Holidays at Shirley’s house were a smorgasbord of flavor with cakes, pies, cookies and peanut butter balls she either made or were brought to her by others that she would then share with much love. She will always be remembered for the loving ways she added flavor to life. 

The visitation and funeral service will take place on Monday, Oct. 19, at Clark Legacy Center, 3000 Versailles Rd., Frankfort, KY. The funeral service will be held at noon, with the visitation taking place from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The interment will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 3250 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY.

Rev. Jeffrey A. Sames will officiate the service, and Mrs. June Ann Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio, and vocalist Ms. Victoria Sullivan, Lexington, Kentucky, will serve as the musicians. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClarkLegacyCenter.com.