By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Thursday, October 19, 2023
    5pm-7pm
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

  • Service

    Friday, October 20, 2023
    11:00am
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Shirley Mae Stevens, 88, of Flora, IL, formally of Johnsonville, IL. passed away at Clay County Hospital on Friday, October 13, 2023.

    Shirley (lovingly known as “MeMe”) was born July 10, 1935, in Cisne, IL, to Pearl and Lillie (Brown) Leathers. She married George Lee Stevens at Rock Branch Church in Cisne, IL, on June 1, 1952. He proceeded her in death on March 11, 2003, after an extended illness.

    Shirley worked as a secretary for Berry Grade School and Johnsonville Grade School. She later worked for Wayne County Bank, now People’s National Bank, as a financial investor. She was a member of Bailey General Baptist Church and a proud Christian.

    Once married, Shirley helped on the family farm driving a tractor while pulling the disc in front of the planter. She also kept George’s oil field financial records. She was a fantastic cook. In 2003, she started volunteering in the kitchen for Union Grove Youth Camp. Generally, camp week was held during her birthday, and she loved the camp children singing “Happy Birthday” to her each year. She also enjoyed crocheting and taking care of her family. Shirley was always just a phone call away when her family or friends needed help. The thing she enjoyed most was spending time with her grandkids and spoiling them as much as she could. According to her family, her most admirable accomplishment in life was taking care of George during his extended illness, for almost 10 years, allowing him to stay in his home. She was a selfless caregiver.

    Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Debra (Rodney) Pengelley of The Villages, FL, and Sandra (Bill) Gross of Louisville, IL; four grandchildren Heath (Megan) Pittman, Jocelyn Scoles, Andrea (Greg) Reinfeldt, and Courtney Pengelley; six great-grandchildren Elisha “Eli” Scoles, Hayden Pittman, Paige Pittman, Cordelia Reinfeldt, Cole Reinfeldt and Callum Reinfeldt. Also surviving is a sister, Jeanne Leathers; sisters-in-law Lorraine Leathers and Pat Fish; brother-in-law Dee Thompson.

    Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, four sisters Bonita, Loreta, Betty and Donna; four brothers Robert, Bill, Jerry and Jack.

    Visitation will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 5pm-7pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11am at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL. Burial will follow at Round Prairie Cemetery in Johnsonville, IL.

    Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home and may be made to the Union Grove Youth Camp Kitchen Fund.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Linda Griffith Myers / October 17, 2023 at 6:17 pm

    So sorry Debbie and Sandy for the loss of your Mom. I worked for Shirley and George in 2000-2001. They were wonderful to be with in their home. I also attended Berry Grade School when she was there. I pray God will bring you both sweet comfort.

  2. Beverly Anderson / October 17, 2023 at 6:54 pm

    So sorry for your loss, she was a precious lady and I always loved listening to her prayers.

  3. Micheal W & Kristal G Engelmeier / October 17, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    Sandy & Bill, et al,
    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to the family.

  4. Alan and Norma Buck / October 18, 2023 at 6:02 am

    Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss.

  5. Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton / October 18, 2023 at 1:55 pm

    To the Leathers/Stevens families: So so sorry to hear that your Loved One Shirley has passed away. I know that all of you will miss her dearly but we know that she has been called home and to a better placed to be with her Heavenly Father and others that have gone on before her I must say that must have been a very nice reunion. May all of you remember the good times you had with her over the years as the memories are so precious. So by now I must tell you who I am. I am Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton the daughter of Lawrence Shehorn. I have some good memories of the Leathers Family as I went with my Dad a lot to Johnsonville and got to see the Leathers and I always loved them. I moved away from Illinois back in June, 1959 and went to Nevada to live and then married in 1973 and moved to California where my husband is from. My prayers are with all of you at this time. May you find peace and comfort always. With my deepest sympathy and lots of love. A friend always Marilyn

  6. Larry Kramer / October 18, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    Sandi and Bill,
    Please know that our thoughts and prayers will surround you now and in the days to come as you celebrate and remember this special life.
    Larry and Sue Kramer

  7. Sammie Wickiser / October 19, 2023 at 6:34 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. In prayers and met her in Senior Renual. She was a sweetheart.

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