Shirley A. (Jennings) Allen

Shirley A. Allen, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25, 2021.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard “Rip” in 2012; parents, Floyd and Frances (nee Vance) Jennings; two sisters, Wanda and Marilyn; and one brother, Harold.

She is survived by her two daughters, Diane L. (Jerry) Helis of Elwood, IL and Kimber Allen of Lovell, WY; one brother, Warren (Barb) Jennings of Girard, IL; two sister, Janice Smith of Hillsboro, IL and Sandra Dora of Crawford, MS; seven precious grandchildren, Shawn (Angie) Krupianik, Lori Ann (Bill) Rakowski, Ryan (Jenna) Krupianik, Katie Krupianik, Garrett (Jody) Cornatzer, Vianna Cornatzer Nelson and Bryce Cornatzer; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Shirley was the eldest daughter of the late Floyd E. Jennings and Frances Vance of Virden, IL. She was born January 2, 1936 in Palmyra, IL. She attended grade school and intermediate school in Hettick and Greenfield, IL. Shirley graduated from Auburn High School, class of 1953. Shirley worked for the Springfield Circuit Clerks Office as a secretary and for First National Bank in Springfield as bookkeeper. After her high school graduation in 1954 she married Richard M. Allen of Auburn, IL and they moved to Joliet. While in Joliet, Shirley worked for the First National Bank (later known as First Midwest Bank) for 23 years. In 1987 they moved to Kalamazoo, MI where she worked for the Upjohn Co. for five years, retiring in 1993.

Shirley was an active member of Larkin Baptist Church of Joliet, IL for 25 years and Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI for 23 years.

Per Shirley’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services held.