Shirley Jennings

Shirley Jennings, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center on Thursday, March 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
 
Shirley’s greatest pride and joy was her family. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
 
A woman of remarkable determination, Shirley had an inspiring career. She began as a temporary worker and steadily climbed the professional ladder to become a respected financial advisor, admired by both her clients and peers. Throughout her career, she was a mentor to many, offering guidance and wisdom not only to her family and friends but also to her clients, who became like family to her.
 
Shirley was a steadfast member of Waldo Baptist Church, where she earned the respect and admiration of her community through her unwavering faith and devotion. Her commitment to her church was matched only by her love for the family farm, where she found peace and joy. Sundays were particularly special to Shirley as she loved cooking large meals for her family, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to gather.
 
As the matriarch of her family, Shirley’s presence was a constant source of love, strength, and wisdom. Her impact will continue to resonate through her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Shirley’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
 
She is survived by her husband, Gary Jennings of Brookport; two children, Lisa (Mark) Blair of Brookport and Keith (Betsy) Jennings of Metropolis; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Jen) Heine of Brookport, Mason (Shelby) Heine of Kevil, Madyson Blair of Brookport, Tate Jennings of Metropolis, Abby Blair, Lizzy Blair, Chase Blair all of Brookport; and two great-grandchildren, Evan Heine and Peyton Blair both of Brookport; one brother, Ron Crenshaw of Brookport; one step-daughter, Ramona (Christoph) Winarski of Detroit, Michigan; two step-grandchildren, Izzy Winarski and Ian Winarski both of Detroit, Michigan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Don Jennings; her parents, Bill and Mary Crenshaw; and one brother, Larry Crenshaw.
 
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Waldo Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens.  
 
Friends may visit the family from 11:00am to service hour on Saturday at the church.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Shirley A. Jennings Memorial Scholarship Fund at SICF.  Checks should be written to SICF with Shirley A Jennings Memorial in the memo field and mailed to SICF, PO Box 1772, Marion, IL 62959.  Donations will also be accepted online at: tinyurl.com/ShirleyAJennings  
 
Shirley Jennings was a remarkable woman whose legacy of love, faith, and mentorship will never be forgotten.
 
Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com
 
Lindsey Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jennings family.