Shirley Maxine Beavon, 81, of Stronghurst, Illinois, formerly of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 5:10 P.M. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Oakwood Estates in Stronghurst. She was born May 25, 1939 in Abingdon, Illinois, the daughter of John Dean and Dorothy Daye McGinnis McCullough. On July 4, 1959, she was married to Robert James Beavon. The later divorced.
Shirley was a 1957 graduate of Abingdon High School. Following graduation, she entered the United States Navy and served in Bainbridge, MD, Jacksonville, FL and El Toro, CA. She lived most of her adult life in the Lomax area. She had been employed by Formfit of Monmouth, IL, and Sylvania, EBC Casket Company and Winegard, all in Burlington.
In younger years, Shirley served as a volunteer EMT for the Lomax Ambulance Service, was a Sunday School Teacher for several years, and was active with the Lomax Food Pantry. She enjoyed gardening, attending grandchildren’s sporting events and was a “Die Hard” Cubs fan. She was of the Christian faith.
Survivors include one daughter; Shelly (Ronnie) Gittings, of Stronghurst, four grandchildren; Jessica (Jeremy) Burrell, Justin Gittings, Andy (Kara Keller) Gittings, Lauren (Andy ) Chockley, seven great grandchildren; Addison, Tanner and Wyatt Burrell, Jacob, Wesley, and Andrew Chockley, and Reese Gittings, one sister; Carol Cozad of Lewistown, IL, and several nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, one brother; Jimmie Dean McCullough in infancy, and one brother in law; Bud Cozad.
Friends may call as they desire from Noon until 1:30 p.m Sunday, January 17th, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held at Banks & Beals at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in the Crane Cemetery, near Lomax. A memorial fund has been established for Oakwood Estates in Stronghurst. Please visit Shirley’s obituary to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
