Shirley June Poe, 92, formerly of Galesburg, died Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Porter Place, Tinley Park.
Shirley was born August 17, 1928 in Palmer, the daughter of Harry J. and W. LaVaughn (Kent) Little. Shirley married Vincent I. Poe on June 6, 1948 at the First Methodist Church in Galesburg. Shirley is survived by one daughter, Christie (John) Hester of Orland Park; one son, Jerry (Lori) Poe of Windsor, CO; four grandchildren, Aaron (Anastasiya) Poe of Boston, MA, Nathan (Jennifer) Poe of Vancouver, WA, Cameron Hester of Orland Park, and Anne Hester of Orland Park; and one great grandchild, Nikita Poe of Boston, MA. Also surviving is one brother, Joseph H. Little of Knoxville; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband on May 4, 2019 and her parents.
Shirley graduated from Galesburg High School in 1948 and retired from Blick Art Materials after many years in the order department. She was a member of the Galesburg Women’s Club and East Main Congregational United Church of Christ. Shirley enjoyed playing the piano, dancing, and singing. She also enjoyed reading, baking, concerts, and traveling. Shirley and Vincent took many memorable vacations together, including trips to Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shirley will be remembered for her positive attitude, upbeat spirit, and willingness to volunteer her time, whether it be baking a cake for a school or work function, or help organize her class reunion. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Private burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. No public services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
