Shirley Jean Casey

Shirley Jean Casey, a cherished mother, and beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at the age of 88 in Dowagiac, Michigan. Born in the warm heart of Bell City, Missouri, on July 24, 1937, Shirley's journey through life was marked by her kind spirit and love for her family and community.
Shirley's early life laid the foundation for a lifetime of cherished memories and relationships. Her parents, Finus and Dessie (Wood) Hamlett, instilled in her the values of family and compassion that would define her character. Though the years brought the loss of her beloved siblings-Margaret Bickings, Betty Bickings, Gerald, Jack, Gary Hamlett, and Mary Yant-Shirley's bond with her sisters, Alice (Richard) Adams and Barbara (James) Alexander remained a source of comfort and strength.
Shirley's dedication to her children was unparalleled. She was married to the late Oral Casey on May 2nd, 1959, and was a guiding light to Nathan (Jodi) Casey, Robin (Todd Bennett) Anderson, and the late Kimberley (Robert) Reasor, offering them her unconditional love and wisdom. Through every challenge and triumph, her guidance remained a constant, shaping the lives and hearts of her grateful children.
Her legacy continued to bloom through her adoring grandchildren-Heidi, Trisha, Dakota, Autumn, Brandon, Marissa, Taylor, Ryan, and Aaron-and great-grandchildren-Landon, Mady, Rylee, Jack, Elias, and Bellemy. Each of them carries a spark of Shirley's grace and kindness, a testament to her impact as a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.
Throughout her fulfilling life, Shirley's love for game shows, the thrill of finding treasures at garage sales, and her passion for shopping brought great joy to her and to those who knew her. Her sense of humor was magnetic, and her laughter will be remembered as one of her most endearing legacies. Above all, she held a deep devotion to her family and her faith-two pillars that guided her through life with grace and resilience.
A testament to her kind-hearted nature, Shirley had a penchant for the simple pleasures-coloring books and crossword puzzles were sources of quiet contentment and brought her many hours of peaceful reflection.
Services for Shirley will be held on Monday, December 8th, at The Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, with funeral services beginning at 2:00pm.
Shirley will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Shirley's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
We bid farewell to Shirley Jean Casey-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. As we celebrate Shirley's life, her warmth and generosity will remain an enduring presence, reminding us to cherish each day and embrace our loved ones with open hearts.