Shirley Elaine (Gaines) Taylor

Shirley Elaine Taylor gained her angel wings on February 14, 2025, surrounded by family at Alton Memorial Hospital. 

Shirley was born on April 11, 1957, in Highland, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Pastor Heuda Gaines and Jennie (Medlin) Gaines. 

Shirley met her sweetheart, Thomas Howard Taylor Jr., in high school, and they married shortly after. Shirley and Tommy were the perfect portrait of love, steadfast for each other until his passing in 2012. Anyone who knew them knows that Shirley couldn’t wait to be reunited with her love, and her family finds comfort in knowing that she got to spend Valentine’s Day with him in heaven.

Shirley was full of love, laughter, and a whole lot of attitude. She devoted many years working at Camp Hugh, her father’s legacy. Her most favorite thing in the world was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Shirley is survived by her children, Jenny Norman and Thomas Taylor III; her grandchildren, Taylor Norman, Thomas Taylor IV, William Norman III, and Damien Wiseman; her stepmother, Marjorie Gaines; her brothers, James (Tina) Overbey and John Overbey; her best friend, Terry Markel, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband; and brother, Donnie Gaines. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, from 3–7 p.m. at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. 

The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 22, at 11 a.m. at Friendship General Baptist Church in East Alton where Pastor James Overbey will be officiating. 

Donations can be made in honor of Shirley to Camp Hugh in care of Friendship General Baptist Church.

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