Shirlee R. (Demmin) Williams

Shirlee R. Williams, 99, of Peoria, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Lutheran Hillside Village. Born in Peoria on May 29, 1925, the daughter of Bernard and Mildred Van Ausdall Demmin, she married Darrell R. Williams on August 19, 1945. He died June 19, 1988. Also preceding her in death were her parents, a sister, Dorothy J. McEvoy, and a brother, Donald A. Demmin. Surviving are one daughter, Sandy L. (Dennis) Reed of Peoria, one son, Terry J. (Karen) Williams of Federal Way, Washington, three granddaughters, Sarah J. Reed, Peoria, McKinley A. (Kris) Farrell, Burien, Washington, Cayla M. Williams (Tony) O'Carroll of Dublin, Ireland, and one great grandson, Emerson J. Farrell, Burien, Washington. Shirlee graduated from Manual Training High School in 1943 and Eastern Illinois University in 1969. After high school, she worked in offices at CECO Steel, LG LeTourneau, Standard Oil, Morton Bank, and most recently at Caterpillar in Mossville and Peoria. She was a member of University United Methodist Church, and worked there for eleven years as a church secretary. With her husband, a United Methodist clergyman, they served United Methodist churches in central Illinois: Bryant Circuit, Emden-Hartsburg, Henry-Saratoga, Casey, Shelbyville, Morton, Peoria Madison Avenue, and Chillicothe, retiring in Peoria. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe, especially to historical churches, colleges and homes. Shirlee was active in several women's golf leagues in Peoria, playing for 58 years, starting at Madison and closing at Detweiller. She was a Stephen Minister and a Stephen Leader at University United Methodist Church, an Adult Reading Tutor at Common Place, and volunteered at Lutheran Hillside Village in later years, where she resided for 22 years. While there, she co-chaired a creative writing group, edited the monthly newsletter, and was a Peoria County election judge for ten years. Cremation rights have been accorded.  A Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00 am on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Lutheran Hillside Village Waters of Life Chapel, immediately followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.  Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Foundation Benevolent Fund (Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation, 6901 North Galena Road, Peoria, IL 61614-3111) or to donor's choice.