Mrs. Shirley K. Stephenson

Shirley K. Stephenson nee Smith
Age 74, of Lockport, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of James Stephenson Jr.; loving mother of Michael (Ana Ortega) Stephenson, Patricia (Dominic) Chan, and James III (Sally) Stephenson; cherished grandmother of Elliott Chan, Deanna Stephenson, Madelyn Stephenson, Emmett Chan, Katherine Stephenson, Wesley Stephenson, and Esmé Chan; dear sister of Sandra Renner, Corliss (Dennis) Kajmowicz, and Camilla (Douglas) Ingram. She was preceded in death by her parents Walton Alexander Smith and Elsie Elliott Smith.

Shirley graduated with her Bacholor of Arts Degree from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She was the Director of Finance for the first ten years of KineticSystems Corporation; a long-time member of Chapter EB of the P.E.O. Sisterhood; past Moderator of the Lockport United Church of Christ; the founding director of the Lockport UCC bell choir; a member of the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale; a Stephen Ministry Leader; a Crisis Line operator; and a Silver Cross Encore Shop volunteer. For the past 6 years---until 4 weeks ago---she delivered Meals on Wheels in Lockport.

A friend writes, "Words cannot express our sorrow for your loss of your sweet wonderful Shirley. She was truly one of God's gifts to the world. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. We were so glad she was in our lives and we had the privilege of calling her our friend. We will miss her so much."

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who will be deeply missed and never forgotten. The family will receive friends at Goodale Memorial Chapel, 912 S. Hamilton St., Lockport, IL 60441 on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 5-9 PM. Memorial Visitation Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10:00 AM until time of Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church would be appreciated.