Shirlee Ann Jobe was born January 27, 1932 in Macomb. She left this earth for heaven, Sunday, July 20, 2025. Her parents were Harley L. and Mina (Sims) Graves.
She married Don Jobe September 2, 1950 at the Macomb United Brethren Church. After 50 years of marriage, Don left the earth too soon April 17, 2001. Their children are Vicki Ann Jobe- Crosby (Gary) of Macomb, and Pinehurst, NC; Amy Sue Frahm (Steve) of Low Moor, IA; and Donna Jaree Brooks (Dave) of Peoria. Their grandchildren are Michelle Nelson of Palm Desert, CA; Danyelle Barlow of Peoria; Cole Davis formerly from Moline, (leaving the earth too soon July 13, 2014); Lauren Cook (Kenny) of Orion; Brittany Macziewski (Chad) of Maple Grove, MN; and Wesley Brooks of Peoria. Their great-grandchildren are Ian Nelson of Macomb; Haylee Barlow of Peoria; Bowden Barlow of Peoria; Mena Wagner of Bettendorf, IA; Parker Traman of Orion; Kemper and Ryker Cook of Orion; and Rowan and Juniper Macziewskiof Maple Grove, MN. Shirlee’s sisters were Barbara Long (Bob) of Adair, (both deceased); and Joan Lundgren (John) of Macomb, (both deceased). She enjoyed wonderful relationships with sisters and brothers-in-law, Marilyn (Jack-deceased) Little of Shalimar, FL; Maxine (Bill) Brewer of Quincy, (both deceased); Frank (Linda-deceased) Jobe of Macomb; and Betty (Giles) Armstrong of Rushville, (both deceased). She also had warm relationships with many nieces and nephews.
Shirlee attended Macomb schools, graduating from Macomb High in 1949 and the Spoon River College Licensed Practical Nurse Program in 1979. She was employed as a charge nurse at the American Nursing Center for two years, and then worked 13 years at the McDonough County Health Dept. as a Community Health Promoter, giving programs in the county schools. She was chairman of Christian Women’s Club for two years. Shirlee was a partner with her husband in their farming and seed business for over 50 years. She was a member of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Scot-
land Township for many years helping in the Sunday school program for the children; teaching and leading the music. She loved the connection with children. Music played a big part in Shirlee’s life as she sang her first solo in church at nine years of age. Throughout the years she sang solos and also sang in ladies’ trios and quartets at churches. She also sang in the Lamoine Valley Country Music Opry in the 70’s. She was a volunteer at the McDonough District Hospital and a member of many ladies’ groups. She enjoyed the Luncheon Support Group for Widows and the Women’s Club Canasta Group. She attended University Baptist Church for many years. Shirlee asked Jesus into her heart as a child, and lived out her faith beautifully for all to see. Her heart’s interests were her family, friends and children in her church and community. She loved writing letters, poetry and praying for others. And she was well-known for her countless hot and delicious meals. In 2022 she bravely moved to Heartis Peoria Senior Living in Peoria, IL just in time to celebrate her 90th birthday after living nine decades in Macomb. She was a light to the residents there with her beautiful smile and caring heart. She was a favorite to many workers and residents alike. Shirlee enjoyed many visits from family and friends and was always up for outings and celebrations with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, both at Heartis and in the community. She was filled with practical wisdom, wit, strength, and perseverance. Her faithfulness to family, friends and God will be a living legacy forever to all who knew her. There will be a void without her here, but her shining exam- ple of a life radiantly lived will be an inspiration and encour- agement for years to come.
Below is a saying she wanted included in her obituary, filled with the perspective of what she most cared about in life:“A hundred years from now it won’t matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was import- ant in the life of a child.”
Shirlee’s Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at University Baptist Church, 315 N Sherman Ave. in Macomb, IL. The visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. and the service at 2:00 P.M. There will be a graveside service to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 1027 N Randolph St. in Macomb. Afterwards, a reception will be held at the Macomb Country Club from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Memorial gifts can be made to honor Shirlee to The Gideons International.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com
