Obituary of Shirley B. Colwell

Shirley B. Colwell, 91, of Zion, IL passed away peacefully on February 3, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

Shirley was born May 24, 1932 in Waukegan, IL and graduated from Zion-Benton High School. She married John Wesley Colwell on September 2, 1950 in Zion. Shirley worked various jobs at Zion Elementary School District for 26 years. She and Wes were proud owners of the Zion Dairy Queen until 1985. Shirley and Wes were known as Mr and Mrs C, and it was during this time that they touched the lives of many teenagers. Shirley and Wesley were faithful members of Christ Community Church. Shirley was very active in serving and running the funeral dinners at CCC. Shirley and Wes shared 70 years of marriage and love. Shirley became Wes’ biggest supporter when it came to a project or business idea. She cherished Wes. They enjoyed many things together but one of their favorite things was to travel RVing. 

Shirley is survived by her children, Dale (Elizabeth) Colwell, Pam (Jerry) Walters, Tom (Janet) Colwell and Kathy (Terry) Thomas; grandchildren, Rick (Paula) Colwell, Jennifer (Scott) Gerbig, John (Kelly) Colwell, Sara (Derek) Podejko, Jason Colwell, Michael (Julie) Colwell, Ross Walters, Marty (Marikate) Thomas, Mandy (Gavin) Hutchison and Landon (Emily) Thomas; 20 great grandchildren and 2 brothers, Howard and Donald Bennett. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Wesley Colwell; parents, Lewis and Bessie Bennett; brother, Gilbert Bennett and great grandson, Simon Podejko. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the church. A private interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery.