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Southern Illinois University University of Illinois

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Champaign

710 N Neil St

Champaign, Illinois

Kelli Shirley Obituary

CHAMPAIGN - Kelli (EveLyn) Friedman Shirley, 63, died peacefully, surrounded by her husband of 37 years and her four living children, on Friday, May 31, 2024.

She was born in Bloomington on Jan. 17, 1961, the daughter of Connie May Meiss and Glenn Leroy Friedman.

Kelli graduated from Lexington High School, Class of 1979, and attended Southern Illinois University to obtain her bachelor's degree in education. With her profound love of working with those of all abilities, she pursued her master's at the University of Illinois. Kelli ended her career in education as a special education administrator for Macon-Piat school district. She always spoke of her love for not only the children she served, but for her Decatur work family and the cherished friendships she acquired over the years.

Kelli married Gary Lee Shirley on July 18, 1987. Her true pride and joy was being a mother to her five children, Lawren F. Shirley (0), Grant L. Shirley (30), Kain C. Shirley (29), Desirae J. Shirley (26) and Grace J. Shirley (25).

She lived a fulfilling life doing what she loved most, including cheering for her kids at their sporting events, caring for her grandchild, going to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals, traveling with friends and going to Broadway shows.

Kelli was preceded in death by her first child, her mother and her stepparent.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her father, Glenn of Bloomington, and grandchild, Scarlett of Tolono.

At Kelli's request, there will be no arrangements. Those wishing to remember Kelli in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Bible Baptist Church in Champaign.

Cremation rights were accorded by Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Champaign.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jun. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Kelli Shirley

12 Entries

Leslie Ellen Sullivan

June 1, 2025

I think of Kelli often as she was such a force in advocating for children with disabilities. Taken too soon, but I know she is in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. RIP Kelli.

Ginny Conron

Planted Trees

Virginia "Ginny" Conron

July 3, 2024

My deepest condolences to Gary & family! Kelli and I facilitated the SHARE Support group together for years. This group was a grief group for family members who lost an infant from miscarriage though about early infancy. Since Kelli had experienced the devastating pain of such a loss with the death of Lawren, she could truly empathize with the participants. Kelli was an immeasurable support for me as a co-facilitator. It is difficult to believe she has left this world, but I know she is in heaven, and is at peace with God and those whom she loved who preceded her in passing into the next joyous world.
May Kelli rest in peace! Praying that Gary and the entire family will reach out for support and comfort as needed. God cries with you, and carries you through this painful grief journey. God´s Peace and comfort, Ginny Conron, Brunswick, ME

Anne Lunsford

June 11, 2024

Kelli you will be deeply missed. You made positive changes in so many lives . Love and peace

Marty Edgington

June 9, 2024

My heartfelt love and sympathy to Kelli´s family. She was a true fighter for you. Her display of faith and trust in God truly made an impact on my life. She is not gone nor forgotten. She is at peace and is victorious with our Lord. Until we all meet again, thank you and peace be with you, Kelli. Much love, Marty Edgington

Sally Peters

June 7, 2024

Kelli supervised the Occupational/Physical Therapy staff at Unit 4. It was a pleasure to work with her. She was greatly missed when she left for another district. She was a kind and compassionate person.

Eileen Mathy

June 7, 2024

I can´t believe she is gone. Kelli was a godsend when my kids had IEPs. A strong advocate. She was someone you would always see around town. Such a loss. Peace to her family. She was your biggest fan.

Pat Brown

June 7, 2024

I enjoyed working with Kelli. She was always very supportive and helpful. It was a loss to Unit 4 when she left the District and a gain for Decatur where they appreciated her. She was also very proud of her family and their accomplishments. She will be missed.

Heather Livengood

June 7, 2024

Kelli was such a wonderful person. She and I were administrators together. I learned so much from your mom. Not just about special education but about parenting and spiritually...she was the real deal. Keli has left a lot of touched lives here on earth. May God bless you all.

Jane Innis

June 7, 2024

I´m so very sorry for your loss. Kelli was my Special Education Administrator for a year or two when I went back to work in 2012 after being a stay at home mom for six years. It was a challenge to start work in a new school district after having several years off. Kelli was a fantastic SEA...always friendly, thorough, patient, kind and encouraging. She was a big help to me. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Jane Innis
Speech Therapist

Sean R Mcguire

June 7, 2024

Love you Shirley Family.

Kelli Shirley by far was one of the greatest woman I´ve ever met in my life. I loved her caring nature and her ability to positively impact people´s life.

Leslie Sullivan

June 7, 2024

Kelli was one of the most dedicated advocates for children with special needs that I´ve ever met. I worked under Kelli for 15 years as a special educator and although we didn´t always agree, we had the upmost respect for one another. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Kelli.

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