Shirley Gilligan

Mahomet - Shirley A. Gilligan, 80, of Mahomet passed away at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal.

Her Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Mahomet Christian Church in Mahomet with Rev. David Johnson officiating. Full Military Rites will be accorded by Mahomet American Legion Post 1015. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army. Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City is assisting the family with arrangements.

Shirley was born on August 8, 1938 in Sharon Township, Illinois, a daughter of Grover Cleveland and Nellscene Willis Bennett. She married Paul M. Gilligan on September 11, 1960 in Vandalia, Illinois.

Surviving is her loving husband of 58 years, Paul M. Gilligan of Mahomet; one son, Paul H. Gilligan of Bellflower, son in-law, C.J. Keys of Braidwood; grandchildren, Rebecca (Andrew) Makula of Niles, Wayne (Taylor) Keys of Lowell, IN and Megan Keys of Braidwood; seven great grandchildren; brother, Grover Cleveland Bennett of Vandalia and her lifelong friend, Sandy Colclasure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Kathy Keys; three sisters and three brothers.

Shirley graduated from Vandalia Community High School and went on to enlist in the United States Air Force, where she served at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio Texas. Shirley achieved the rank of Airman First Class after serving for 3 years 6 months 9 days.

Following her enlistment & marriage, Shirley resided in Lansing Michigan, where she and Paul started their family. From Lansing, the family relocated to Mahomet IL. Shirley was a devoted stay-at-home mother, but as her children became independent she began to work outside of the home. She very much enjoyed her employment at Mahomet United Methodist Church. Having a passion for mission work, she made several trips including one to South America and Alaska.

Shirley was an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Mahomet, and also served as a leader of the church's Pioneer Girls Club. Shirley later continued her career as Advertising Director at Coldwell Banker Hallmark Realty.
Some of Shirley's fondest memories were made while playing shortstop for her softball team, "The Good News Bears." She was a die hard sports fan: following the Chicago Bears and Bulls, St. Louis Cardinals, and the University of Illinois football and basketball teams closely
Most people agree that Shirley will be most remembered for her kind and loving spirit. Her devotion to her family and friends was unsurpassed. Shirley loved her pets, caregivers, and her closest friends with an unwavering certainty. Her sense of humor endeared her to everyone she met. At the end of her life, Shirley was a resident at Gibson Area Hospital Annex. Her spunky personality kept the staff on their toes and her fellow residents entertained.

Visitation

DEC 29. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)

Mahomet Christian Church
908 N. Lake of the Woods Road
Mahomet, IL 61853

Celebration of Life

DEC 29. 11:00 AM (CST)

Mahomet Christian Church
908 N. Lake of the Woods Road
Mahomet, IL 61853

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley A. Gilligan, please visit our floral store.