Shirley Wilcoxen

Shirley Anne Wilcoxen, of Naperville, IL, formerly of Washington, IL, mother of 10, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on June 21, 2016. She was born November 14, 1929, to Roger J. Benedict Sr. and Grace (nee Morrison) Benedict in Springfield, IL, who preceded her in death. As a registered nurse graduate of Methodist School of Nursing, she worked 3rd shift in Pediatrics for 35 years, most of this at Proctor Hospital, followed by an additional 5 years serving the elderly in nursing homes. Married to Robert Wilcoxen for 49 A½ years, she poured her life into raising her brood and is survived by children: Gayle (Bruce) Barrington of Lighthouse Point, FL, Cheryl (Ron) Kinczyk of Glen Ellyn, IL, Jerey (Ed) Baker of Bluffton, IN, Tim (Donna) Wilcoxen of Benson, IL, Faythe (Ron) Hake of Morton, IL, Joel (Anjanie) Wilcoxen of Downers Grover, IL, Matt (Debbie) Wilcoxen of Carol Stream, IL, Hope (Harry) Lemke of Oconomowoc, WI, David (Lillian) Wilcoxen of Champaign, IL, Angela Wilcoxen of Morton, IL. 27 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren along with one brother, Roger Benedict Jr. of Chatham, IL, and several nieces and nephews also survive her. A classical concert pianist, she could hear a song once, sit down at the piano and play it without sheet music. She instilled her love of music into her children as they learned to play the piano, clarinet, trombone, French horn, marimba, vibraharp, tenor saxophone, electric guitar, accordion, organ, baritone saxophone, drums and bells. She lived on a farm "way over the hill, where the air is clean and the grass is green" in Washington, IL for most of her life where she enjoyed the peace of country living. Her faith in and love of Jesus was the foundation of her life, which she shared with her family. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. She is now living eternally in the presence of her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. A funeral service will be held 10am Friday, June 24, 2016 at Grace Church in Morton. Visitation for Shirley will be Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington from 6:30pm until 8pm. Burial will be in Salem-Wilcoxen Cemetery in rural Lewistown, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Samaritan's Purse International Relief. Notes of condolences for the family may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com.