Shirley S. Randell, 97, of Galesburg, died at 4:54 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2021, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Shirley was born June 3, 1923 in Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y., the daughter of Arthur and Mary (Bailey) Sherry. She married Eugene C. Randell on October 18, 1944 in Patchogue. He preceded her in death on August 14, 1976.
She is survived by two sons, Dan (Kaye) Randell and David (Rosemary) Randell, both of Galesburg; a daughter, Sherry (Mike) Dillbeck of Sanford, Michigan; 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jack Sherry; a sister, Sara Ince; a grandson, Benjamin Randell; and a great granddaughter, Kataryna Moore.
Shirley was raised in Patchogue, Long Island, N. Y., where she graduated from Patchogue High School in 1941. She worked as a telephone operator for a number of years in New York before moving to Galesburg in 1946. After her husband’s death, Shirley worked for several years for Bob Swanson at his service station pumping gas and washing windshields.
Shirley was a devout Christian who read the Bible regularly. She was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church, where she enjoyed working, cleaning, and spending time with the people, who were her second family. She also enjoyed making jewelry with paper and glass beads that she made. One of Shirley’s greatest joys was being in her yard, working with and enjoying her flowers and in later years, just simply picking up sticks. Most recently she enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels from the window.
Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the chapel with Rev. Lee Johnson officiating. Those wishing to attend the service “virtually” may do so via the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Baptist Church or the Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
