Shirley Anne Levenhagen

Shirley Levenhagen, 89, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on September 14, 2025, after a life full of devotion, service, and unwavering faith.
Born on July 7, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Shirley Anne Thompson was raised in Lawrence Township. She graduated from Lawrence Central High School in the Class of 1954, where she was named "Most Studious" - a fitting reflection of the curiosity and determination that would carry her through college and shape the rest of her life. She went on to attend Indiana University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Business in 1958 - which is also where she met the love of her life, Charles Robert "Chuck" Levenhagen. Chuck & Shirley were married the following year; a marriage that spanned more than sixty years, becoming the very embodiment of devotion - to their faith, their family, and their community.
Together they raised four children, as Chuck's career took them from Indianapolis to Mobile, Alabama (and back), before finally settling in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. During that time, Shirley poured herself into her family - supporting countless school and community activities and embodying what it meant to live with purpose. In the late 1970s, as their youngest approached grade school, Shirley returned to work, serving at both the state and federal levels of government, and ultimately retiring in 2003 after 25 years with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Service to others was a cornerstone of Shirley's life. She and Chuck opened their home and hearts through foster care and devoted themselves to the betterment of their community. Shirley was a longtime member of Oak Ridge AARP Chapter #625, where she previously served as treasurer, and she also held the role of president for her local TOPS chapter. Above all, Shirley's faith was her guiding light. She was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge, where she and Chuck were actively involved for over five decades. Shirley could be found at church - in worship, Bible study, or fellowship - rain or shine, her quiet grace and steadfast devotion inspiring all who knew her.
Outside of her many acts of service, Shirley found joy in life's quieter moments - getting lost in a good book, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, or spending time with friends at bingo. After family dinners, you could almost always find her at the table, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, playing cards, sharing laughter, and simply enjoying being together - moments that remain deeply cherished by them all.
Shirley now rejoices in heaven, reunited with her beloved husband of more than sixty years, Chuck; her cherished parents, Howard and Gladys (Demaree) Thompson; her younger brother, David Lee Thompson; and her dear cousin, Bette. She is survived by her children: Jeffrey S. Levenhagen of Indianapolis, IN; Steven R. (Linda) Levenhagen of Huntsville, AL, and their sons Blake (Murfreesboro, TN) and Alec (Huntsville, AL); Brian K. (Sheila) Levenhagen, and their children Lauren, Mary (Kevin) Zurowski, and Andrew, all of Huntsville, AL; and Karen L. (Brett) Heffernan and their daughter Lorelei Anne, all of Oak Ridge, TN. She is also survived by her five beloved great-grandchildren - John, Tinsley, Henry, Harrison, and Hallie Zurowski - along with many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved deeply.
Shirley's life was a testament to faith, love, and quiet strength. She will be remembered for her exceptional grace in everything she did, her steadfast dedication to God, and the way she cared for those around her - from her children and grandchildren to her church family and community.
A visitation will be held on 9/18/25 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, TN. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM at the same location. A burial service will be held on 9/18/25 at 11:30 AM at the Garden of Valor in Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, TN.