Shirley Joan Simmons' Obituary
Shirley Joan Simmons, age 84, of Westfield, IL passed away at 10:02 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Coles County, IL. She was born November 28, 1931 in Cleone, IL, the daughter of Clarence (Brainer) Merrick and Maxine Gilbert Merrick. On February 10, 1951 she married Robert "Bob" Simmons in Westfield, Illinois. Survivors include daughter, Debbie Simmons of Westfield, Illinois; daughter, Sherry Robison and husband Rob of Westfield, Illinois; daughter, Donna Shull of Casey, Illinois; daughter, Kathy Simmons of Charleston, Illinois; daughter, Karen Lowry and husband Sean of Champaign, Illinois; son, Robert A. Simmons and wife Liz of Casey, Illinois; sister, Sandra Patrick and husband Don of Taylorville, Illinois; brother in law, William Simmons and wife Jeannie of Bourne, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Michelle Carlen of Casey, Illinois; Ryan Robison and wife Jenny of Staunton, Illinois; Melody Shull of Chicago, Illinois; Angie McElravy and husband Greg of Jewett, Illinois; Eric Shull and wife Jessica of Casey, Illinois; Kyle Lowry and wife Shayna of Quincy, Illinois; Jason Lowry of Champaign, Illinois; Robert "Mitch" Simmons of Westfield, Illinois and Robert Jackson "R.J." Simmons of Casey, Illinois; step granddaughter, Ashleigh Kehoe of Casey, Illinois; great grandchildren Baylee Scott, Brayden Carlen, Allison McElravy, Garrett McElravy, Emma Shull, Natalie Shull, Bryce Robison and Taylor Robison . Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob, grandson, Robert Shane Lowry and son in law, Brent Shull. Shirley was previously employed by the Casey Westfield School District for over ten years as a food server. She had also worked in the US Air Force finance office in New Mexico while her husband was stationed there. Shirley was a devoted member of the Westfield First Baptist Church. She enjoyed working word search and was an avid reader (especially western novels). Shirley enjoyed attending and supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities. She will be sadly missed by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at the Westfield Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Gene Ellis and Rev. Brian Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Westfield, IL. Visitation will be Tuesday evening April 5 from 4-7 p.m. at the Westfield Baptist Church, 125 S. Fulton St., Westfield, IL. Memorial donations may be made to the Westfield Baptist Church, P.O. Box 192, Westfield, Illinois 62474 or Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center, 1000 Health Center Dr., Mattoon, IL 61938. SERVICES Visitation Tuesday, April 05, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Westfield Baptist Church, Westfield, IL , Service Wednesday, April 06, 2016 2:00 PM Westfield Baptist Church, Westfield, IL , Interment
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?