79, Oblong, IL
VISITATION: 5 ~ 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the Pulliam Funeral Home, Oblong, IL.
CELEBRATION OF SHIRLEY’S LIFE SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2016 at the Pulliam Funeral Home, Oblong, IL with Bro. Dee Wolfe and Rev. Jim Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Oblong Cemetery, Oblong, IL.
AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY may take the form of a contribution to the Oblong Sports Boosters with envelopes at or may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home, PO Box 121, Oblong, IL 62449.
Shirley Ann Williams, 79, of Oblong, IL gently drifted into Heaven at 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was a resident of Ridgeview Care Center, Oblong, IL.
Shirley was born in Olney, IL on December 26, 1936. She was the daughter of Harold and O’Letha (Fouty) Matheny. She spent her childhood living in the Yale and Bellair, IL areas. Her parents owned the Bellair Store where Shirley entertained the customers with her singing. On April 10, 1955 she married Tony L. Williams of Newton, IL and he survives. Tony and Shirley were married over 60 years.
Shirley was a graduate of Oblong High School Class of 1954 and was a member of the First Christian Church of Oblong, IL. In her younger years, Shirley was employed at Case Manufacturing (Pottery) in Robinson, IL for eight years; TRW for three years; Ettlebrick Shoe Factory in Casey, IL for one year; Electronics Factory for two years and E. R. Moore in Newton, IL for one year. She was a member of the 20th Century Club; Bible study group at First Christian Church; a volunteer at Crawford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary “Pink Ladies”; a former Sunday school teacher and she enjoyed bowling on the Thursday “Granny League” at Robinaire Lanes in Robinson, IL. Shirley enjoyed watching sports of all kinds while her sons and daughter were involved in and continued to enjoy watching her grandchildren with their school and summer league sports. Shirley was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and proudly wore her “Matheny” Cardinal shirt.
Shirley is survived by her husband Tony Williams, Oblong, IL; daughter and son-in-law Connie and Rex Knecht, Robinson, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Robin Williams, Harrisburg, IL and Rod and Tammy Williams, Oblong, IL; seven grandchildren Chris and Brandi Stephenson, Oblong, IL, Lindsay Stephenson, Orlando, FL, Emily and Mike Neubauer, Wentzville, MO; Matthew Williams and fiance’ Mindy Moore, Maryland Heights, MO, Kevin Williams and fiance’ Amanda Pittman, Collinsville, IL, Brandon and Erica Williams, Robinson, IL; and Erin and Anthony Harris, Marion, IL; eleven great grandchildren: Mackenzie, Ashton, Colton, Aydin, Myiah, Keegan, Taylor, Lyam, Kerrigan, Charlee, Knoxyn and expecting her 12th great grandchild on April 1. Three step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive. Shirley treasured her time spent with family and friends, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding Shirley in death were her parents; a sister Sharon Matheny; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bob and Maxine Hall; a sister-in-law Algene Williams and a nephew Dennis Hall.
Condolences and or memories may be sent to the family at oblongfuneralhome.com.
