Shirley E. Black

Shirley E. Black, nee Davidsmeier, age 88, died peacefully in her home in Williamsville, IL, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

She was born May 7, 1937 in Mechanicsburg, IL, to William and Alice Fern Davidsmeier.

She moved with her family to Springfield, IL, at a young age and attended Springfield local schools.

On August 25, 1954, Shirley married Harvey Robert "Bob" Black and spent two years in Norfolk, VA, while Bob was in the Navy. The couple then moved back to Williamsville and raised four children - Sherrie, Diane (Carroll) Hays, Rick (Viki), and Jackie (Chuck) Karr.

Shirley joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1959 and was recently recognized as a 65 year member. She was a homemaker and an employee at Ford Printing. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, and traveling with Bob and friends. An annual highlight was spending a week taking all of the grandchildren to the Illinois State Fair. She was always willing and available to help with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making a point to spoil them as much as possible.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Orville, Wilbur, Russell, and Donald, and sister Doris "Midgie" Waters as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, sister Barbara (James) Thomas, and brothers Willis (Pat) and Kenneth (Shari) Davidsmeier, her four children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025 followed by a service at 12:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL. Graveside service and burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Williamsville, IL.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.