Shirley Lee Matheny, 80, of Olive Branch, MS passed away in her home on Friday, April 19, 2019 from complications of Lymphoma cancer. Shirley was born February 11, 1939 in Toledo, IL, to Lowell and Lee Easton. As a girl growing up in a small town, she was brought up in a loving family with her parents & siblings. They were faithful in attending Church & loved the Lord. While showing their love for God and praising him, Shirley and her siblings loved music, singing and playing instruments before the church congregation. Shirley attended Cumberland High School where she enjoyed participating in sports and being a team member, especially in basketball. During these school years would be where she met the love of her life, Ted Matheny of Greenup, IL. They started as friends, began to date, fell in love, eventually were united in marriage and just celebrated their 60 year anniversary February 11, 2019. Shirley and Ted moved to Effingham, IL and started their family, with Shirley giving birth to their two sons, Darren & Derick. She was a loving Mom, as she stayed home to raise her boys to school age. Shirley then worked a number of faithful years at Fedders Corporation in Effingham, IL and continued to raise her boys, attend the kid's sporting events and be a loving wife. Years gone by, they made their move to Memphis, TN, as Ted was transferred with his job at Yellow Freight. Shirley was hired at JC Penney as a Department Manager of Women's Dresses. She was recognized with numerous awards of excellence in the work place, as she took pride in her job and exceeded the expectations placed before her by JC Penney. Shirley and Ted decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life of Memphis and moved to the small peaceful town of Olive Branch, MS, where they bought their house in which they would call home and live out their days. After Shirley retiring from Penney's and Ted from Yellow Freight, they enjoyed their retirement and leisure time together for many years. Shirley always enjoyed the simple things in life, such as sitting, talking, laughing, listening to and sharing old stories. Shirley loved the outdoors very much; she always enjoyed cooking out, a good bonfire, roasting hotdogs, gardening and just relaxing. She was a great cook and whether she was feeding just a few or many, her demeanor was never altered, it was "No big deal" to her. Shirley also loved watching NASCAR races while pulling for her favorite driver; Jimmy Johnson. It didn't take much to satisfy Shirley, as long as she had her family around her. Shirley is proceeded in death by her parents, Lowell & Lee Easton; sister, Norma Jean Easton; and Granddaughter, Savannah Allen. Shirley leaves behind her husband, Ted G Matheny of Olive Branch, MS; son, Darren G. Matheny (Vicki) of Olive Branch, MS; son, Derick S. Matheny of Olive Branch, MS; Grandchildren, Joshua Matheny (Gabbie), Kara Chamoun (Caleb); Great-Grandchildren, Kyra, Chace, Roman & Cayden, all of Effingham, IL.; Siblings, June Neff (Charlie); Terri Scott; Denny Easton (Rose); along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, cousins and friends. Shirley will be laid to rest on April 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm in Greenup Cemetery in Greenup, IL with a graveside service to remember and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in honor of Shirley Lee Matheny to, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or By PHONE: 1-800-227-2345.
