Born May 23, 1947 in Pekin to Wilmer and Mildred (DePeugh) Merritt, she married James Eldrige Shelby, Sr. July 31, 1964 in Pekin. He died March 17, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, Michael Canamore and Ashton Schuck and five siblings, Darlene Martin, Glen Merritt, Norma Mock, Nina Piro and Janice Tisdale.
Surviving are five children, Sharlet (Kevin) Stewart of Collinsville, Kentucky, James (Debra Scurry) Shelby, Jr. of Topeka, Steven (Michelle) Shelby of Pekin, Kevin (Danielle) Shelby and Allen (Cindy) Shelby,both of North Pekin; 18 grandchildren, Erica, Amber, Eric, Jennifer, Tony, Jimmy, Jennea, Tiffanie, Kelly, Kayla, Natasha, Jessica, Gaige, Taylor, Parker, Trish, Alex and Blake; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and one brother, Wilmer (Lisa) Merritt, Jr. of Pekin.
She had worked at Morton Terrace Healthcare and Rehabilitation Centre, retiring in 2014.
Wilma loved going to concerts, some of her favorites being Vince Gill, Allen Jackson, Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks. She also enjoyed collecting dolls and spending time with her family.
She attended Gethsemane Church in Pekin.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Jason Mock will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
