Shirley Mae Grayling, age 86, of Carlyle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6th, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon.
She was born on May 22, 1939, to Francis “Black” and Mabel (Higgins) Berry. She married Truman Grayling on May 25, 1957, in Posey, IL, and he preceded her in death. Shirley never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting new people through selling Avon and playing Bingo. She dedicated her life to caring for the elderly.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Martha Butts; grandchildren, Josh Butts, Melissa Blankenship and husband RJ, Jeremy Butts and wife Cari, and Jenna Marshall and husband Brett; and special friend, Heather Taylor. Great-grandchildren Hunter Taylor, Brianna Blankenship, Rhyan and Maisyn Butts, and Finn and Dawson Marshall. Her brother, Donald Berry, and her sisters, Myrna Manhart and Bonnie Berry. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Mable Sue Grayling, son-in-law, Danny Butts, sisters, Flora Kay Berry, Phyllis Jane Berry, and Virginia Irene Berry, brothers, Alfred Berry, Lester Berry, Allen “Hoopy” Berry, and Ronnie Berry.
Respecting her wishes, Shirley will be cremated with a memorial service held at a later date. For more information, please visit Zieren Funeral Home at www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
