Shirley Jean McGehee

Born on November 13, 1935, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Shirley was a proud graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School. On September 19, 1953, she married William F. McGehee Sr. Though they later divorced, the two remained close friends throughout their lives.

Shirley dedicated her life to her family as a loving homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home for her children and grandchildren. Her artistic talents shone through in her beautiful paintings, and she took great joy in sharing her creations with those she loved.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Shirley treasured time spent with her family. Whether cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, enjoying beach days, solving crossword puzzles on her computer, or playing the family’s favorite card game, Shan-hai, her spirit of joy and fun was ever-present.

Shirley is survived by her children: Marcia (Dennis) Dillard, Kathy (Louis) Fellhauer, Vicki (Mark) Hubbert, Sandra McGehee, and William (Lisa) McGehee Jr.; grandchildren: Jennifer (Caleb) Heal, Aaron (Amber) Dillard, Jeana (Josh) Torres, Erika McGehee, Patrick (AJ) McGehee, Derek (Laura) McGehee, and Tony (Mariana) McGehee; and great-grandchildren: Seth, Maggie, Frank, and A.J. Dillard, Cora Heal, Xzavier and Zayla Torres, Addison McGehee, Sophia McGehee, and Christopher McGehee.

She is also survived by her sisters Jeanette Harper and Sharon Cholet. She was preceded in death by her sisters Marian Weber and Judy Shipton.

Shirley’s legacy of love, creativity, and resilience will be cherished by all who knew her.