Shirley Ann (Wilson) Sheets, 85, of Evansville passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 21, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born July 5, 1936 in Alton, Illinois to Adrian and Lola Belle (Proffer) Wilson.
She grew up with five brothers and her family moved to Shawneetown, Illinois in the 1940’s. Shirley graduated from Shawneetown High School in 1954 where she was in the band, drama, GAA and a cheerleader. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Sheets, the captain of the basketball team. The two of them were married June 20, 1954 at the Presbyterian church in Shawneetown. They had two children, Pam and Bobby and the two of them were married for 67 years.
Shirley graduated from Nursing School with a degree in Operating Room Technology and after working in the St. Mary’s Hospital for 5 years she worked as a certified first assistant for Evansville Surgical Associates for 32 years. After retirement, she became a greeter at Alexander Funeral Home where she greeted people with her smile. Shirley was a much-loved member of the Alexander team for 10 years.
Shirley was a 50 year plus member of the Order of the Eastern Star - Robert Morris Chapter 87, member of Eastern Star – Evansville Chapter 555, Past Matron of the Eastern Star, 50 year plus member and Past Queen of the Daughters of the Nile, 50 year plus member of the White Shrine, member of Amerants and member of Riverside Community Church.
She was a very active and caring woman who had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor and could be ridiculously silly and funny. She was an avid collector of angels and an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan. She was the one and only ‘Gaumers’ to five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Most of all, she was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Only heaven knows the eternal impact she made while here on earth.
Shirley is survived by her husband Robert D. Sheets Sr., daughter Pamela (John) Paul and son Robert D. (Saundra) Sheets Jr., grandchildren; Katie (Patrick) Kelley, Abby (Brad) Angel, Chelsea (Adam) Pruitt, Zack (Samantha) Sheets, Kiley (Tim) Doherty and fourteen great grandchildren; sister in laws Paula (Joe) Minor and Peggie Coleman; and several nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Adrian, Harold, Charles, Earl and Freddie; sister-in-law Shirley Morris and brother-in-laws Clyde Morris and Ted Coleman.
Friends and family may visit 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday March 27, 2022 and 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday March 28, 2022 at Alexander North Chapel. There will be a walk through performed by the Daughters of the Nile shortly before 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday March 28, 2022, officiated by Pastor Jeff Long, with entombment to follow at Alexander Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to Heritage Hospice and a special Thank You to Nancy and Laura for the care that they gave. The family has designated The Shriners Hospital for Children and Heritage Hospice of Evansville for memorial contributions.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.
