Shirley Taylor

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Edward C. Taylor, and her children, Cindi (Tom) DiPrima of Arlington Heights, IL; Richard T. (Pamela) Burns of Decatur, IL, Scotti (Ramona) Burns of Danville, IL, Annette Burns (Jason Ferguson) of Garland, TX, Krista (Doug Brandeberry) Genet of Bethany, IL, and Rusty Taylor of Lovington, IL; sisters: Carolyn (Kent) Kirby and Marolyn (late Michael) Merrow of Decatur, IL and Cheeri (Will) Cantrell of Ventura, CA; dear cousins: Karen Stewart of Litchfield, IL, Beverly Neighbors and Ron Wilton of Carlinville, IL, Gordon Cheeley of Kirkland, WA as well as her Uncle Russell Wilton of Carlinville, IL, grandchildren: Shelby Bunch, Shane, Stuart and Stacia Burns of Decatur, IL, Vincent and Andrea DiPrima of Arlington Heights, IL; and Christopher Ruch, Payge Genet, and Payton Brandeberry of Bethany, IL and Rori Ferguson of Garland, TX and 8 great grandchildren. Her parents and her dear cousin Jess Angel preceded her in death.A Gold Delta graduate of the Class of 1956 of Stephen Decatur High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and attended Millikin University. She received certification as a Professional Legal Secretary in 1977. Mrs. Taylor worked as a paralegal/office manager for Geisler Law Offices and at Zexel USA Corporation as Executive Assistant/Newsletter Editor, both in Decatur, IL.She was active in The National Association of Legal Secretaries. In 1977 she received certification as a Professional Legal Secretary and was named Illinois Legal Secretary of the Year and in 1991 received the Service Recognition Award from the Illinois Association of Legal Secretaries. She was a facilitator for study groups in preparation for the PLS exam and served as a motivational speaker at many educational seminars in the legal field. In addition, she authored chapters for the IICLE paralegal handbook Law At A Glance (1993) and (1996) and was a contributing author to Manual for the Lawyers Assistant, The Career Legal Secretary and The Career Legal Secretary Advanced, West Publishing Company. In 1986 she was honored as National Legal Secretary of the Year.Mrs. Taylor was honored for her leadership in Parents Without Partners. She generously gave of her time and served in leadership roles for the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, Illinois Junior Womens Clubs, Macon Chamber of Commerce, and the So. Macon Township Library Board. She enjoyed writing and editing newsletters and was a published author, poet, and essayist. For many years she taught Sunday school class and sang in the choir at Elwin Methodist Church. Her quest for excellence and willingness to help others lasted throughout her life. She wishes to thank Dr. Edward Elliott, Dr. Ben Esparaz, Dr. Brian Telle and Dr. Richard Moser, for their expertise, patience, kindness throughout her long battle.Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, September 12, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Macon Cemetery, Macon, IL. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Cancer Foundation, Leukemia Society, First United Methodist Church, Sullivan, IL, or Lincolnland Sarah Bush Hospice, Mattoon, IL. "
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