Shirley Shafer Davis, 87, of Taylorville, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville.

Shirley was born June 18, 1932 in Taylorville, the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve (Shaw) Shafer.  She was a graduate of Taylorville High School and went on to the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, to become a lab technician.  Shirley married Paul Layzell in July of 1953, and he preceded her in death in 1970.  Paul and Shirley had two daughters, Lori Layzell Davis and Lisa Layzell Wise.  She married Richard Davis on April 28, 1973, and as her mother, Gen said, “Richard was the perfect person to spend the rest of her life with,” and she was absolutely right.

Shirley was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville, and she lived her faith with a quiet grace and dignity.  She worked for several years at St. Vincent Hospital in Taylorville, and loved her work in the lab.  Shirley cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Morgan and Eric.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Richard Davis of Taylorville; daughter, Lori Davis of Ashevile, NC; step-son, John (wife, Kim) Davis of Mesa, AZ; son-in-law, Todd Wise of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Morgan and Eric Wise; brother, Joseph Charles (wife, Lan) Shafer of Higley, AZ; brother-in-law, William Davis of Taylorville; and sister-in-law, Linda Shafer of Taylorville.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lisa Wise; sister, Jo Ann O’Brian; and brother, James Shafer.

Shirley taught her daughters that, “To have a good friend, you must be a good friend.” Shirley lived that truth, and her life was filled with wonderful friends whom she treasured.

Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 12:30 p.m. until the time of ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Michael Evanchak officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, 116 E. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.