Shirley Jenkins

Shirley Mae Jenkins, age 92, of Savoy, passed away peacefully at Willowbrook of Savoy November 27, 2018.

Shirley was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology in Arizona, she moved to Berkeley, California and began working as a laboratory technician.  In her spare time, she attended ballroom dance classes, where she met her husband Fred, who was completing his doctorate in French at University of California. After living in San Diego for a few years and starting a family, they moved to Urbana, where Fred began teaching French at University of Illinois, and Shirley concentrated on raising their two daughters, Diane and Nancy.

After Fred’s retirement in 1997, Fred and Shirley travelled frequently to France, Great Britain, Germany, and their beloved state of California. Shirley was a voracious reader, passionate painter of landscapes and still lifes, and excellent cook. She also loved to sew, manage the family finances, and research family history. She produced several hardbound copies of both hers and Fred’s family trees dating back to the early 1700’s. 

Shirley had a lifelong love of cats and dogs, and spent many years volunteering at the Champaign Co. Humane Society. She was also a longtime member of the Women’s Friendship Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred and daughter Diane. She is survived by her daughter Nancy (Knut) Bauer, sister Virginia Norheim, three grandsons, three great grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to acknowledge the staff at both Willowbrook and Carle Hospice for their kind and loving care in Shirley’s peaceful transition. Memorials in her memory may be made to Champaign Co. Humane Society. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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