Shirley Jean (Abbott) Beers

     Shirley Jean Beers, age 82 of Galatia passed away at 10:15 PM on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Ferrell Hospital surrounded by her family.

     Shirley was born on April 10, 1943 in Franklin County, Illinois to the late Rev. Oswald Eugene “Gene” and Lucille Aline “Ma” (Sullivan) Abbott.   On September 29, 1962 she married Gilbert Virlile Beers, and they would have celebrated 63 years of marriage.  Shirley was a member of Harco Baptist Church, then Galatia First Baptist Church where she participated in their annual community Christmas choir.  Shirley had the unique accomplishment of having never missed a day of school during her education in the Thompsonville School System from elementary through high school and she received a letter from the Illinois Governor honoring her accomplishment.  She worked for several places during her life including as a paper carrier, PNU Drugstore in West Frankfort, Oglesby’s Grocery Store, Bondo’s Pizza, Good Shephard Nursing Home, a Cook at Galatia High School for thirty years and she also sold Avon on the side.  Shirley loved motorcycle riding and was a member of the Southern Illinois Wingers Gold Wing Road Riders Association Illinois, Chapter Q.  She was a member of the Saline County Home Extension and Galatia First Baptist Hostess Committee. Shirley would do anything to help people.  She loved to sew, when her children were young, she would sew clothes for them and also made burp cloths and bibs for the grandkids.  Shirley also enjoyed baking cakes and made several cakes over the years, from birthday cakes to wedding cakes.  She loved watching her children and grandchildren in sporting events and 4H events and attended all of the events.  Shirley had a genuine Servant’s Heart.  She also always helped to care for their livestock at home.  Shirley loved her grandkids, to travel and just to go.  She exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman. 

     Shirley is survived by her husband, Gilbert Virlile Beers of Galatia, Illinois; daughter, Cheryl Ann (Beers) Stallings of Galatia, Illinois; twin boys, Terry Gene Beers and wife Michelle of Harrisburg, Illinois and Jerry Dean Beers and wife Kristy of Thompsonville, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Chelsea Taylor and husband Cody of Crab Orchard, Illinois; Dalton Stallings of Galatia, Illinois; Brittany Parks of Carrier Mills, Illinois; Haleigh Mayer and husband Brady of Harrisburg, Illinois; Dawson Beers of Harrisburg, Illinois; Garrett Beers and wife Piper of Spain; Jaedyn Beers of Thompsonville, Illinois; and Jude Beers of Thompsonville, Illinois; five great-grandchildren, Avery, Rilynn, Easton, Cedar and Theo; sister, Betty Gogue of Galatia, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.     

     In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Lee Beers; and brother, Carl Edward Abbott.

     Funeral services for Shirley Jean Abbott Beers will be held at 11 AM on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Rev. Dale Martin and Rev. Greg Hughes will officiate, and burial will follow in Dillingham Cemetery near Corinth.  Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8:30 PM, Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg.  Memorial contributions may be made to Dillingham Cemetery and will be received at Stricklin Funeral Home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Jean (Abbott) Beers, please visit our floral store.