Shirley Willis

When reflecting on the life of Shirley Willis, it is easy to see that everything she did was laced with her tremendous strength that was perfectly balanced with a graceful elegance that was truly her own. She was determined in whatever she did whether it was working all hours to provide for her family, building a home in which to raise her children, or engaging in the fight for her life against an unrelenting cancer. Shirley’s relationship with Christ was always of the utmost importance in her life, and it is her legacy of faith and love that has become the greatest gift to those she left behind.

The year 1934 was a trying time in our nation’s history since we had been firmly gripped by the Great Depression since October of 1929. Families did what they could to survive and in Chrisney, Indiana, the family of John and Alma (McIntosh) Long was no different. They received a special gift on Christmas morning, 1934 that was much better than the unusual two to three feet of snow that usually greeted John when he stepped outside. John and Alma were preparing to attend a Christmas party later in the day, but greater plans were in store for them. Not long after Alma began struggling with a backache, she delivered their daughter, Shirley at 4:00 that afternoon . When John called Alma’s family to share the good news, the party was moved to their house since Alma had already put the goose in the oven before she had laid down that day. Shirley was later joined by her younger brother Jerry and with his birth, their family was complete.

Due to their economic hardship Shirley’s parents didn’t stay in one place long since they needed to go wherever they could find work. This left Shirley and Jerry in the care of their aunt, uncle, or grandma much of the time. Life turned tragic for the Long family around Christmas time when Jerry was in kindergarten. His outfit caught on fire from the Christmas tree, and he died from his severe burns about three months later.

After graduating from high school, Shirley attended Indiana University, although she didn’t care for it much. It was during this time that she married a high school boyfriend. Together they had three children: Susan, Jerri and Bart, and from the moment she became a mother, Shirley’s greatest blessing became her children. She treasured her career as a teacher in addition to caring for her children, and took on the additional challenge of earning her advanced Master’s degree.

Shirley was married for 20 years but once she was divorced, she moved around quite a bit with her children. First she settled in Kentucky and then in Arizona before accepting a teaching position in Rockport, Indiana. This position led Shirley to another teaching position in Owensboro, Kentucky, where she built a new home and raised her children.

Once she retired, Shirley went from one adventure to the next. She went to Africa with her daughter Susan for three months a mission trip. While there, Shirley enjoyed snorkeling in the Indian Ocean until a sea cucumber forced her back to the boat. She also went to live with her daughter, Jerri in Michigan for two years. It was a blessing for both Jerri and Shirley. It gave Shirley an opportunity to spend precious time with her first grandchildren. And, it gave Jerri the time to finish her education and start her successful businesses. Then, in 1996, Shirley’s son Bart became ill after suffering an allergic reaction, and she went to live with him until 1999. During that time they traveled to doctors near and far to seek out the best treatment available. This time of struggle proved to be a significant time in Shirley’s relationship with Christ. All of these things are examples of the determination Shirley had throughout her entire life. When most people relax during retirement, Shirley chose to spend this time helping her family.

Also of great significance during this time was Shirley’s introduction to the man with whom she would share an enduring love. His name was Don Willis, and they met when he purchased the home next door to the house that she and her son, Bart had recently purchased. A great friendship blossomed between Shirley and Don. They enjoyed many things together including dinners and yard sales. On October 19, 1999, Shirley was united in marriage with Don while Bart served as the best man. Two years later, Shirley and Don moved to Michigan to help with her grandchildren. All five of Shirley’s grandchildren including Jesse, Josh, Leann, Blake, and Holly were of the utmost importance to her.

There were so many ways in which Shirley was such a special woman to so many others. She always wanted to look her best and loved clothes and dressing up. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Portage, and it was always important to Shirley that they go to church in their Sunday best. She felt as though she was directly led by God to her church home where she received such strength and wisdom from her church family just when she needed it most. Holidays were always special times to Shirley, although since she lost her brother around Christmas and her mother on Mother’s Day, these were two holidays that were always difficult for her. Shirley was kind and compassionate, always willing to help those in need in whatever way she could. She was a true reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of God.

Shirley Willis was a woman who made the most of every moment she was given, often surrounded by those she loved. She thrived on structure and order in her life, yet she always made room for some fun, too. Shirley was fiercely protective of the family she treasured and was not afraid to do whatever it took to provide them with the very best she could. She found both comfort and strength in her faith and even recently shared the following thoughts on a piece of paper.

“I go to a better place, unafraid because He’s waiting for me.”

Her family and friends find such comfort in these words, as well as peace in knowing that their beloved mother, grandmother, wife and friend has finally reached her eternal home. Shirley will be dearly missed.

Shirley A. Willis of Vicksburg died on March 11, 2010. Shirley’s family includes: husband Don; two daughters: Susan (Loren) Mayberry, of Vicksburg; Jerri McClure, of KY; stepson Michael Willis, of AK; one daughter-in-law: Tish McClure, of KY; and five grandchildren: Jesse McClure, Josh French, Leann Mayberry, Blake and Holly McClure. Shirley was preceded in death by her son: Bart McClure; her parents, and her brother Jerry. The family will receive friends on Monday, from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Portage, 1133 E. Centre Avenue, Portage. The service will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the same location. There will also be a service on Friday, March 19 at the Little Pigeon Baptist Church in Chrisney, IN at 3 p.m. with the burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family is being assisted by Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign her memory book online before coming to the church or make a memorial donation to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or the Way of Rockport, Indiana.