Shirley Jean Wilkerson's Obituary
WILKERSON, Shirley Jean, age 87, of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties.
Always on the go with a strong work ethic, Shirley worked several jobs during her working career. She retired in the late ‘90s from Ethicon Endo-Surgery after nearly 10 years of dedicated service to the company.
Funny, loving, caring, and independent, Shirley was quick-witted and family-oriented. Always put together when out in public, she took pride in her appearance and dressed to impress. She greatly enjoyed gardening, which was evident by her beautiful flowers in front of her home. In addition, she loved to crochet blankets, booties, baby hats, scarves, and other personal accessories to give to family and friends. While always classy, she also had a fun side and enjoyed “going to the boat” to play video poker with her siblings and family.
Her greatest pride was her family. She loved hosting them during the holidays and getting them together as often as possible. She will be remembered for her delicious pineapple upside-down cake, Waldorf salad, soup beans, and cornbread, which she made special for her family. She enjoyed the tradition of gathering for family reunions, which were usually held at Rocky Fork Lake and her home in Lebanon. Among many things, Shirley will be remembered for her love of dogs. Throughout her life, she always had a dog to care for at home. Her last loved dogs were Hank and Teddy. She will be remembered most, however, for raising three sons, who they admit “were no angels.” She loved her boys and lived to love and care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Shirley was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Angie Wilkerson, Kevin Sewell, and Garret Osborne; her parents, Robert and Ruth Edwards; two brothers, Robert and Doug Edwards; and one sister, Dana Terrell. She is survived by three sons, Jeff Coffman, Kevin (Rachel) Wilkerson, and Alfred Wilkerson; four grandchildren, Jackie (Ziggy) Glichowski, Emily Coffman (Mark Jeffers), Stephen (Samantha) Coffman, and Cathy (Philip) Howard; 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way; 2 great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters, Lois Elliott and Ann Fulford; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 PM on Tuesday, November 4, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Cory Norton officiating. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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