Shirley Jean Davis

Shirley Jean Davis, nee Russell, 81, of Waterloo, IL, died April 17, 2026, in St. Louis, MO. She was born August 21, 1944, in Ironton, MO.

She will be deeply missed by her sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, as well as many friends who knew and loved her. She was known for her warmth, sense of humor, and devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ferd Edward Davis, Jr.; her parents, Delbert and Thelma Russell; and her sister, Carolyn Sue Cavanaugh.

She is survived by her children, Don (Paula Renee) Girtman of Waterloo, Lori (Dave) Landmann of Millstadt, and Julie (Rene Grandcolas) Davis of Waterloo; her sister, Cathy (Roger) Smith; her brother-in-law, Bob Cavanaugh; her brother- and sister-in-law, Richard and Pat Davis; her grandchildren, Kenneth (Evy) Crowe, Justin (Karrey) Crowe, Austin Girtman, Jake Girtman, and Reese Davis-Grandcolas; her great-grandchildren, Emma, Avery, Hunter, Lucy, and Gage; and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley enjoyed vacations, reading, long car rides with her sister, and cherished time spent with her grandchildren. She loved family gatherings, cooking for those she cared about, and had a special place in her heart for animals—especially her dogs and her most recent adventure as a cat mom.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Helping Strays of Columbia, Illinois, or Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

A private family celebration of life will be held this summer.