Shirley Voss Henley

1928 - 2020

Shirley Voss Henley 1928—2020
Shirley Voss Henley, 92, passed away on December 10, 2020 in the comfort of her home in Palm Desert, California due to complications from COVID-19. Shirley died peacefully with family by her side, blissfully unaware that her husband Jim Philon had passed nine days earlier, also from COVID-19.
Shirley was born in Rockford on September 23, 1928, the daughter of Dr. Charles and Sara Voss. She attended Highland School and was a proud graduate of Rockford East High School in 1946, where she was involved in swimming and competed on the debate team. She graduated from Rockford College in 1950 with a Mathematics Degree, and a Minor in Psychology. During her college years, Shirley competed in synchronized swimming and was very active in student affairs. She married Charles Henley Jr. in 1952 and had three children with him. Shirley earned a Masters in Education from Rockford College in 1969.
After teaching in the Rockford Public Schools for many years, Shirley purchased a Manpower franchise in 1976 that covered north central Illinois. Shirley was an avid believer in giving back to the community and served on many committees and boards for local organizations, including the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Janet Wattles (now part of Rosecrance) and Rockford College. She was the recipient of many awards, including the Athena Award from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Talcott Cross from Rockford College.
Shirley enjoyed gardening and golfing. She also combined her love for knitting and charitable giving by donating hundreds of infant hats to local hospitals. Throughout her life, Shirley maintained friendships with classmates from Highland, East High and Rockford College, meeting regularly for luncheons and potluck gatherings.
In 2006, Shirley became reacquainted with Jim Philon, whom she had dated in the summer of 1949. They married in 2007 and started splitting their time between Rockford and Palm Desert. She and Jim enjoyed playing bocce ball, cards and dominos.
Survived by brother Dr. James Voss (Louise), twin sister Sally Trefz and sister Dorothy Baits; children David Henley of Campbell CA, Kit Donahue (Joe) of Urbana IL and Janet Johnson (Doug) of Rockford; grandchildren Mary Donahue, JT Donahue, Zack Johnson (Lauren), Nick Johnson, Joe Johnson and Mitchell Johnson; great granddaughter Isabella Johnson; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, sister Evelyn Palm and husband Jim Philon.
Due to restrictions of COVID-19, there will not be a service at this time. Memorials to Rockford University, Rosecrance, the Unitarian-Universalist Church or a food pantry of your choice to help those in need.