Shirley Shafer Davis
Shirley Shafer Davis, 87, of Taylorville, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville.
Shirley was born June 18, 1932 in Taylorville, the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve (Shaw) Shafer. She was a graduate of Taylorville High School and went on to the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, to become a lab technician. Shirley married Paul Layzell in July of 1953, and he preceded her in death in 1970. Paul and Shirley had two daughters, Lori Layzell Davis and Lisa Layzell Wise. She married Richard Davis on April 28, 1973, and as her mother, Gen said, “Richard was the perfect person to spend the rest of her life with,” and she was absolutely right.
Shirley was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville, and she lived her faith with a quiet grace and dignity. She worked for several years at St. Vincent Hospital in Taylorville, and loved her work in the lab. Shirley cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Morgan and Eric.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Richard Davis of Taylorville; daughter, Lori Davis of Ashevile, NC; step-son, John (wife, Kim) Davis of Mesa, AZ; son-in-law, Todd Wise of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Morgan and Eric Wise; brother, Joseph Charles (wife, Lan) Shafer of Higley, AZ; brother-in-law, William Davis of Taylorville; and sister-in-law, Linda Shafer of Taylorville. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lisa Wise; sister, Jo Ann O’Brian; and brother, James Shafer.
Shirley taught her daughters that, “To have a good friend, you must be a good friend.” Shirley lived that truth, and her life was filled with wonderful friends whom she treasured.
Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 12:30 p.m. until the time of ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Michael Evanchak officiating.
Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, 116 E. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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J.C. and family: Know that your in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I know you have a lot of good memories.
Hi Lori. Pam & I would like to send our condolences. We have moved to Virginia, so will not be able to be there in person. Your mom was a sweet lady. Maybe we can get together somewhere out here sometime. It would be great to see you. Take care.
Shirley represented love to me! She always greeted me with the biggest smile and the kindest words. I love her dearly and know she was welcomed with the Lord’s open arms in Heaven. Blessings to Richard, Lori, Todd, Morgan and Eric. You are all very dear to me. May you gain strength from the many hugs you will receive. God be with you, Sally Schaefer
I met Shirley when I started walking the lazy river at the YMCA. She told me, with pride, all about her husband and her two daughters. She was a lady in every sense of the word. She will be missed.
Lori & all family. Shirley was such a sweet & gentle person. Always had a smile & kind words whenever we saw each other. Heartfelt condolences to you all. May God Bless & Keep her!
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Shirley’s family.
Shirley was one of the kindest and caring persons I have ever know. My son and I went to First Pres Church and Shirley and Richard sat in front of us most Sunday’s, her singing brought me such joy and happiness. I always enjoyed talking with her. I will remember her so fondly. Such a wonderful lady. God Bless her family.