Shirley Lee Travis' Obituary
Shirley Lee Travis, 90, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025, at Mt. Zion Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Shirley was born in Decatur, Illinois, on February 21, 1935, the daughter of Merle Keith McCurdy and Lucille Eulela (Dilley) McCurdy. She married John Travis on April 19, 1957, in Decatur. He preceded her in death in February, 2025.
Shirley was a member of the 1953 graduating class of Decatur High School. She then attended Olivet Nazarene University and Millikin University. She graduated from the School for Laboratory Technicians at Decatur and Macon County Hospital in 1956. She went on to work as a laboratory technician at Decatur Memorial Hospital, retiring after 36 years. She was a faithful member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and the Nazarene Missions International President for many years. She was a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan.
Shirley is survived by her children John (Barbara) Travis, Jr., and Janet (Michael J.) Loehr; grandchildren Amanda (Phillip) Shouse, Chris Heck, Kim Huff, and Harrison Meaux III; and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John E. Travis, Sr., an infant son, and granddaughter Bethany Heck.
Shirley’s family extends the following message: “Thank you to Gentiva Hospice, especially Angela and Victor, who helped me through a very difficult time. Thank you to the staff (nurses, CNAs, food service, housekeeping, laundry, and therapy) at Mt. Zion Health and Rehab, who has become my family. I especially want to thank Nicole, Kesha, and Tina. I would not have made it through 4 years without all of you. Thank you for loving my momma.”
A graveside service for Shirley will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Macon County Memorial Park. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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