Shirley J (Hathaway) Gibson

Shirley J. Gibson, 87 of Danville, passed away at Hawthorne Inn, Danville, IL.  Visitation will be Sunday, May 4 from 2-5 pm, at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams, Danville, IL Services will follow at 10:00 am on Monday, May 5 at Kruger Funeral Home with Tracy Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow at Stearns Cemetery, Muncie, IL.

   Shirley was born to Ora Otis and Virgie Bell (Holycross) Hathaway on August 22, 1937 in Perrysville, IN. She attended schools in Perrysville, IN.  Shirley worked at R & S Printing for 22 years, Blax Printing for 21 years and part-time at Kelly Printing for many years, (working until she was in her early 80’s on special jobs when they needed her). Her work ethic was impeccable! 

   Shirley married Richard G. Gerard on December 31, 1954 and had two children, Donna S. Davis of Westville, IL and Kevin (Patricia) Gerard of Oakwood, IL. Although they divorced in 1965, they remained close friends until Richard’s passing in 2018.  Shirley later married Donald G. Gibson of Arcola, IL on December 9, 1967.  They were married almost 55 years before Don’s unexpected passing on June 13, 2022.

   Shirley loved spending time with family and friends, dancing to country music, going to the movies, cooking and baking, gardening, traveling, playing blackjack at casinos but her true passion was bowling! Shirley bowled on the same TNT league for over 54 consecutive years, the last 3-5years she bowled in 3 leagues until her massive stroke August 11, 2021, which left her wheelchair bound. Shirley and Don loved to travel with family and friends. They traveled to all 50 states, traveled internationally on several cruises and staying at many resorts. They loved the all-inclusive resorts the best, Curacao being her favorite!

   Shirley is survived by her two children, Donna S. Davis of Westville and Kevin (Patricia) Gerard of Oakwood whom she loved very much. Also surviving are a sister-in-law Sally (David) Bell, grandchildren Justin (Michelle) Davis and Lance Davis (Kristen Mitchell) of Westville, and step-grandchildren Christine Anglemyer, of Catlin & Timothy (Jamie) Schultz, of Bismarck. Great-grandchildren Hayden and Drew Davis plus nine step-grandchildren. She had many special niece’s and nephew’s that were dear to her heart. Special mention: Kassidy and Cameron Mitchell.

   Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, sister, Opal (Lealon) DeWitt, brothers Francis (Glady’s & Iris) Hathaway, Russell (Ann) Hathaway, Brother-in-law, David Bell, son-in-law Robert J. Davis and step-granddaughter Stacey (Schultz) Smith. Shirley was always there to help her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors in whatever project or task they needed help with (she loved helping with painting projects).  Shirley will be missed by her friends and acquaintances but especially by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was baptized along with her daughter Donna, August 2008 and was a member of Second Church of Christ in Danville, IL.

   A special thanks to the staff at Hawthorne Inn and the Carle Staff, Dr. Peter, Jackie Long, MSN, APRN, Marj Abrajano, RN, Carol, Tanya Sullivan, RN, Aamina, Social Worker, Peggy, CNA, Chaplain John and many others of the Hospice Staff.

   Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to Second Church of Christ, 3350 E Voorhees St., Danville, IL 61834, The Vermilion County Humane Society, 14775 Catlin-Tilton Rd., Danville, IL 61834 or Hospice Hearts Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 17605, Urbana, IL 61803.

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