Shirley Ann Baxter

Shirley was born on December 27, 1947, in Champaign, Illinois, to George Lewis Jr. and Ruby Marie Lewis. She grew up in Central Illinois and attended Mahomet-Seymour High School, where she developed the independence, determination, and confidence that would define her throughout her life.

Shirley built an impressive career at a time when women were often underrepresented in leadership roles. Early in her professional life, she served as a Vice President at a bank in Champaign, Illinois. Later, she chose to step away from her career to raise her children, opening a small daycare in her home while also selling Mary Kay cosmetics. Once her children were older, she returned to the workforce and built a successful career selling construction materials for CPI Supply. Throughout her life, Shirley was a trailblazer who was often ahead of her time. She frequently found herself in male-dominated industries and environments, yet she always held her own with confidence, intelligence, and determination. She wasn’t afraid to break the mold, take on new challenges, or do things her own way.

One of Shirley’s lifelong dreams was to retire in Florida, and she was grateful to spend her later years in Crawfordville, a place she proudly called home. She loved the beach, the sunshine, and the relaxed pace of coastal life.

Outside of work, Shirley lived life with enthusiasm and adventure. She loved golfing and looked forward to getting out on the course whenever she could. For several years she owned and rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, embracing the freedom and excitement it brought. She was a lifelong George Strait fan, and his music would always perk her up and bring a smile to her face. She had a special affection for frogs and owls, even commemorating her love of frogs with a tattoo on her foot. She was naturally athletic and excelled at sports, despite growing up in an era when opportunities for girls and women in athletics were limited. One of Shirley’s greatest joys was cheering on her children and grandchildren. Whether they were on a ball field, at a school event, or pursuing a new passion, she was always their biggest fan, encouraging them every step of the way and celebrating their accomplishments with pride.

Shirley was fiercely competitive, incredibly generous, and always thinking of others before herself. She was known for her loyalty, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She cared deeply for her family and friends and maintained lifelong relationships throughout her life. Even at 78 years old, she remained actively involved with her Mahomet-Seymour High School classmates, cherishing the friendships and connections she had built decades earlier.

Shirley faced pancreatic cancer with remarkable courage and determination for nearly six years. In a disease where survival is often measured in months rather than years, she continually defied the odds. Her oncologist frequently called her an “anomaly”, noting that she was the longest-living pancreatic cancer patient he had ever cared for. To those who knew Shirley, that came as little surprise. She spent her entire life exceeding expectations, breaking barriers, and proving that determination could take her further than anyone imagined.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, George Lewis Jr. and Ruby Marie Lewis, and by her husband, Bradley Bruce Baxter.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Morena and husband Bobby Morena; her son Ryan Baxter and wife Megan Baxter; and her son Doug Little and wife Amy Little. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jake Little, Natalie Little, Caleb Baxter, and Josh Baxter.

Shirley is also survived by her devoted partner of eight years, Don, whose love, support, and unwavering presence brought her great comfort. He stood faithfully by her side throughout her journey, and her family will always be grateful for the care, companionship, and love he gave her.

Her family will remember her as a woman who lived boldly, loved deeply, and was the strongest person they knew. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, in stories shared around dinner tables, on golf courses, at class reunions, at the beach, and whenever a frog or owl unexpectedly crosses someone’s path.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 8th at Monticello Christian Church in Monticello, Illinois. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00pm. Additional service details will be shared with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Shirley’s honor to Big Bend Hospice, https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate whose compassionate caregivers provided comfort, dignity, and support during her final days.