Shirley Pauline Wilcox

Shirley Pauline Wilcox, 83, passed away on May 10, 2023, at Crabapple Village in St.

Clair, MO. She was born on November 7, 1939, in Leasburg, MO, to her parents,

Edward and Virginia (Mullen) Wallis. She lived an incredibly fulfilling life, touching the

hearts and lives of many with her generous and selfless spirit.

Shirley grew up and attended school in Leasburg, MO, before graduating from Bourbon

High School in Bourbon, MO. She furthered her education at Miss Hickey's Business

School in St. Louis, where she acquired valuable business skills that would benefit her

throughout her life.

In her early years, Shirley married Bud Rodgers, and together they shared two children,

Lisa and Brad. Although they later divorced, they remained good friends through the

years. The family moved to Bourbon, where they operated a grocery store for several

years. After working in various states, they returned to Missouri, where Shirley found

her passion in restaurant management. She began her career at the Bobber Cafe in

Sullivan and later worked for her brother at the "Hen House" in Bourbon, Missouri. On

October 17, 1987, Shirley married Jim Wilcox.

Shirley was a hard-working and dedicated individual who constantly put the needs of

her family and friends first. She was a loving caretaker to those in need and found

immense joy in helping others. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a

member of New Testament Baptist Church. She also devoted her time to the Missouri

Baptist Hospital Auxiliary where she served her community wholeheartedly.

Shirley had diverse interests that brought her, and those around her, great joy. She

enjoyed traveling, RVing, and dancing with her beloved husband, Jim. The couple

cherished the memories they created at their lake house, where they frequently spent

time with family. Shirley had a fondness for golf, bowling, and gardening over the years.

Above all else, family was most important to her, and she relished the opportunities to

make lasting memories with them. Shirley was known for her kindness, faith-filled spirit,

and selflessness, qualities that will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Shirley is survived by her children, Lisa Lochner (her husband, Joe) of Sullivan, MO,

and Brad Rodgers of Rolla, MO; six grandchildren, Joey Lochner (his wife, Caitlin) of

Sullivan, MO, Jake Lochner (his fiancée, Emilee Cinkosky) of Springfield, MO, Jenna

Lochner of Monroe, LA, Emma Rodgers of St. Louis, MO, Ellie Rodgers of Springfield,

MO, and Evie Cezar (her husband, Erique) of North Carolina; a brother, Bob Wallis (his

wife, Pat) of St. Charles, MO; a sister, Jean Keck of Kansas City, MO; two sisters-in-law,

Marilyn Wallis of Sullivan, MO, and Lynn Wallis of Cuba, MO; a special friend, Ron

Young of Leasburg, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Wilcox; her parents Ed and Virginia

Wallis along with her sister, Viola Wallis, and two brothers, Charles "Bill" Wallis and

Edward Wallis.

Services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at New Testament Baptist Church in

Sullivan with Pastors Josh and David Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Lea

Cemetery in Leasburg, MO.

Visitation will be 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 13, at the church prior to the

service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Missouri Baptist

Sullivan Hospital Auxiliary and/or the Bill Wallis Charitable Foundation

(www.billwallisfoundation.org)

Condolences may be shared with Shirley’s family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.