Michelle Eileen "Shelly" Flickinger

Michelle "Shelly" Eileen (nèe Barbee) Flickinger, 67, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

God has welcomed another beautiful voice in His Heavenly choir. Shelly was born to Edward and Connie Barbee on June 7, 1958, and grew up in the Petersburg area. After graduating from PORTA in 1976, she then graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1980, with a degree in education. She later attended the University of Central Florida earning her master's degree. On June 22, 1991, she married Dave Flickinger. Throughout her career as a teacher, she taught at St. Cabrini Elementary School in Springfield, elementary schools in Orange County, Florida, and elementary schools in Springfield District 186.

Shelly had a beautiful voice and she loved to sing and act on stage, sharing her talents at church and in local theater. She was a lifelong member of Petersburg United Methodist Church. Her theatrical roles throughout the years were numerous and she loved her theater family. She taught P.A.V.E., the Springfield Theatre Centre's youth summer camp program for many years and was always excited to see one of "her kids" on Stage in a production. She was on the Board of Theatre in the Park at New Salem, where in the summer of 2024 she directed her first play, Red Velvet Cake Wars.

While Shelly had many roles throughout the years, her most cherished role was being Ember's mom.

Shelly is survived by her husband, Dave; her daughter, Ember Flickinger; her sister, Susan (Rick) Carlson; a nephew, Michael (Amy) Burke and their children, Jack, Allie and Henry. She also shared her love with her furry family, leaving behind kittens Frankie, Oscar, Pretty Girl and Honey Bear. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Petersburg United Methodist Church, 221 W. Jackson St., Petersburg, Illinois 62675. A memorial service will immediately follow with Pastor Rick Pierce officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ember Flickinger education fund at the Alliance Community Bank, 321 N. 6th St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675, or Petersburg United Methodist Church.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Shelly's family with funeral arrangements. Please visit Shelly's online obituary at hurleyfh.com.