Shirley Wakefield

Shirley Wakefield, 88, of Robinson, IL, died July 17, 2021, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson, IL. She was born October 25, 1932, in Robinson, IL, the daughter of Frank L. & Bessie E. (Sloan) Osborn. She grew up in Robinson and was a member of the Robinson High School Class of 1950. Soon after her graduation, she married Jack Eugene Wakefield, and they were wed on August 18, 1950. As Jack was a career military man, Shirley and their young family followed him all over the continental United States and even found themselves stationed in Europe a few times. Even after his retirement, they would continue to travel to destinations such as Hawaii and Australia and made regular trips to Disney World and Las Vegas as well. In 1977, she graduated from Macomb Community College, where she studied library technology. Soon after, the Wakefields moved back to Robinson, where she found work at the Robinson Public Library. Here, she was a staple behind the desk and was able to work her way up to head librarian before retiring. Outside of work, she refused to let dust settle and was involved with numerous organizations throughout her life: the Order of the Eastern Star, the Crawford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (for whom she served as a board member), the DAR, and the Robinson Lions Club, where she was able to contribute in a variety of capacities. A woman of deep faith, she was an active member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she and Jack taught Sunday school for years before making the move to the Robinson First United Methodist Church a number of years ago. It was evident she loved her FUMC church family. In fact, it could be said that her life revolved around relationships. One of the highlights of her week was playing bridge with her friends, but they couldn't begin to compare to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were each the apple of their grandma's eye. The love she poured into the hearts of her family and friends continues to live on as her legacy, stirring within each of us until, by the grace of God, we meet again. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Mark & Shelia Wakefield; her grandchildren & their spouses, Christopher & Samantha Wakefield and Brittany & Collin Thorlton; her great-grandchildren, Jackson Wakefield, Declan Wakefield, Amelia Wakefield, and Emma Thorlton; her daughter-in-law, Sheryl Lytle; her sister, Frankalene Conrad; as well as several beloved family members and friends who have each been a great source of strength and support to Shirley for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Bessie Osborn; her husband, Jack Eugene Wakefield; her son, Bradley T. Wakefield; and her brother-in-law, Clyde "Bud" Conrad.   A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23rd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Order of the Eastern Star services will immediately follow and will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. A live stream of Shirley's service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Robinson Lions Club", with envelopes available at the funeral home.