PAWNEE — Shirley Irene Gilbert, 83, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022, at her home in Pawnee. She was born Jan. 1, 1939, at home in Pawnee, the daughter of Cecil Edward Bowen Sr. and Lula "Hazel" Duncan Brewer. Shirley married Francis Marion Gilbert Jr., and they later divorced. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Anthony "Tony" Gilbert, in 2012; two sisters, Elizabeth Mae "Sue" Gilmore and Edith Maurine "Monnie" Deavult; and a brother, James William Bowen. Shirley attended Pawnee schools and worked in retail sales. She loved taking road trips with her sisters and watching the Chicago Cubs. She also liked crossword puzzles and genealogy. She collected teddy bears and was a fan of Elvis. Shirley is survived by three daughters, Mary Jo (husband, Mark) Bressan of Sherman, Veronica Davis and Charlotte Gilbert, both of Pawnee; two sons, Francis Marion (wife, Therese) Gilbert Jr. of Walnut Shade, Missouri, and Alex (companion, Sandra Blackwood) Gilbert of Galena, Missouri; 20 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Cecil (wife, Jackie) Bowen Jr. of Pawnee and Walter (wife, Susan) Bowen of Bakersfield, California; one sister, Carolyn (husband, Jack) Alspaugh, of Pawnee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Shirley Gilbert. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.