Shirley Virginia Patton

Shirley Virginia Robinson Patton, age 81 earned her heavenly wings on August 19, 2025. She was born on January 25, 1944, in Cairo, Il. She had a Christian upbring and was raised by her loving parents Bertha Robinson Brooks, mother and Albert Brooks, stepfather.

Shirley earned her high school diploma at West Kentucky Vocational School in Paducah, Kentucky, and continued her education at Shawnee Community College completing a Certified Nurses Aid Certificate, Food Sanitation, Nutrition, Food Service, Cooking, and Medical Emergency Technology Certificates. She was included on Dean's list and had a 3.8 out of 4.0 GPA. She successfully completed two years of additional college courses.

She confessed her Christian faith at an early age and revered her relationship with Christ. She was a faithful and longtime member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Future City, Illinois until her illness. She had a genuine love and passion for her family and for working with individuals who were physically, developmentally, and differently abled. Her loyalty and commitment to helping adults develop daily living skills,
independence, and participation in the community were unwavering. Shirley's career spanned more than 40 years. She worked at Brown Shelter Care in Cairo, Illinois for 15 years, Private Care 6 years, Mounds Nursing Home for 7 years and 15 years for the Illinois Department of Human Services MAP (CILA)-Karnak.

Shirley was known to be dependable, hardworking, loyal, independent, feisty, strong- willed, and a fierce prayer warrior. Her beliefs and behavior were somewhat unorthodox. She fearlessly faced adversities and struggled to overcome many hardships in life including losing her first child, Rayvinna Roxanna Patton, at three months old.

When others told her a task was unachievable, she took great pride and pleasure in proving them wrong. Her determination was remarkable and admirable; however, her stubbornness could be challenging at times. When others thought she'd give out, she'd surge into high gear. She loved to read scripture, pray, preach, teach, write poetry, sing, and draw. Gospel and Christian music brought her much joy. In September 1998 Shirley
was recognized in Anaheim, California for her writings. She was awarded The Diamond Homer Award from the Famous Poets Society of Hollywood. In May 2001 Map Training Center Inc. awarded her a plaque for 15 years of Loyal Service and advancing the growth and development of the physically challenged and differently abled.

Shirley was a vigilant worker and advocate of education, voter registration and get out the vote efforts. She was opinionated about local and state issues and encouraged citizens to express their thoughts on how it was governed. Shirley enjoyed collecting family photos. Thanksgiving, Christmas and the fourth of July were her favorite holidays. She loved bananas and burgers and didn't feel safe without her hand sanitizer. During her leisure time she was an avid spectator and people watcher. Her greatest desire was to be surrounded by a unified and loving family and for her children to have a strong relationship with God. Shirley cherished her unique bond with grandchildren Chantarelle, Bertha and Maceo. Daughter Belinda and Bonus Daughter Faye Howard. Each were a source of joy, encouragement and unwavering support that made her feel
heard, loved, important and protected. Her family will grieve over her passing and rejoice knowing she will experience everlasting peace and eternal life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her Mother: Bertha Brooks, Stepfather: Albert Brooks, Daughter: Rayvinna Patton and Sister: Joanna Treadwell and her Special Cousins Flossie Williams, and Elder Oscar L. Burtley, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, Daughters: Dorothy Patton of Carbondale, IL, Dr. Belinda Dalton of Paducah, KY, and Roberta Henning of Carbondale, IL. Also, Alita Dalton, bonus Daughter of Frankfort, KY, Joyce Dalton, bonus Daughter of Atlanta, GA, and her bonus Daughter Faye Howard of Cairo, IL. Grandchildren raised: Lance S. Patton, Sr. of Cairo, IL, Taccorra Patton, of Texas, Mechelle Patton of Carbondale, IL
and Chantarelle Patton of Carbondale, IL. Grandchildren: Maceo Patton (Bertha) of Carbondale, IL, Shatae Ray-Smith (Daniel) of Memphis, TN, Jasmine Wiley of Carbondale, IL, Nyisha Patton (Charles), and Taishun Griffin, Sr. of Carbondale, IL. Gabrielle Shelton, bonus Granddaughter Frankfort, KY. Thirty-one (31) Great Grandchildren and two (2) Great-Great Grand Children. Sister: Emma Jean Arnold (Eugene) of Perth Amboy, NJ Brother: Dwight Hamilton (Erie) of Lovejoy, IL and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services for Shirley Virginia Patton will be held on Saturday August 30, 2025 at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be Saturday at the funeral home from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour at 1:00 PM with burial in the Green Lawn Memorial Garden in Villa Ridge, Illinois. Professional Services and Care Entrusted to Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at massiefuneralhome.com

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Shirley Virginia Patton, please click here to visit our sympathy store.