Shirley J. Odom

Shirley Joyce Odom, age 90, of Winthrop Harbor/Zion, Illinois, went to be with her Lord on September 8, 2025. She passed away with loving care at Theresa’s Home Care in Gurnee, IL. Shirley was born on March 2, 1935, in Zion, IL.

Shirley was a devoted Christian who lived out her faith in everything she did. She had such a special gift for caring for others and always put people before herself. Family meant the world to her — she lit up when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they always knew how deeply she cared for them. She also loved the simple joys in life, like driving along the Lake Michigan lakefront. Today, there’s a memorial bench in her honor at Prairie Shores Beach in Carol Beach, WI, where we can sit and remember those peaceful drives with her.

Her church was such a big part of her life — she was a member of Grace Missionary Church for over 60 years and poured her heart into teaching Sunday School for more than 40 years. Shirley truly had a heart of gold. To us, she wasn’t just loved — she was our constant source of comfort, joy, and inspiration. Everyone who knew her felt that same warmth, and her spirit will always be with us.

Shirley’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched with kindness, laughter and love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Karen Lewis (Ray) and Kimberly Bush (Bruce); son, Kevin Odom (Deborah); brother, Robert Turner (Julia); five grandchildren, Shelley Rouse (Brandon), Kristi McDowell (Mike VanCleve), Danyelle Toll (Russ), Wesley Lewis, Waren Lewis (Courtney); nine great grandchildren, Addisyn and Hudson Toll, Parker King, Zaidyn, Tatum and Layken Lewis, and Aubrey, Cooper and Delaney VanCleve.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond of 33 years; her son, Keith; parents, Roy and Lillie Mae Turner; sister, Arlene Eddy; and brothers, Samuel and Edwin Turner.

A memorial visitation will be held on September 13, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Missionary Church at 1415 27th St, Zion, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you instead donate in Shirley’s name to Theresa’s Home Care, 6455 Cunningham Ct, Gurnee, IL 60031

 Assisted Living By Theresa