On December 26, 2025, Shirley Carlson, 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. No more Parkinson’s, no more dementia, no more sundowning. We rejoice with her that she is finally whole and truly home. Shirley lived her life as a strong born-again Christian (John 3:3). A true Jesus Christ follower, one of her primary endeavors in life was to identify biblical truth, incorporate it into her life, and teach it to her family, her Sunday school classes, her many Bible studies, and anyone else who would listen. On August 24, 1935, she was born in Chicago into a broken situation and spent most of the first 33 years of her life in the Hinckley/Big Rock/Aurora area. Shirley married Alan Dean, an active military man, in 1953. Together, they had a daughter, Marlice (Marcy) Ann Dean. In 1955, while on deployment in Europe, Alan was killed in an accident leaving Shirley a widow and single mother. While working as a waitress/cook at the Big Rock Truck Stop, Shirley met Robert (Bob) R Carlson who she would marry in 1964. After a few of years of marriage and the birth of their son, Richard (Rick) R Carlson, the family moved to a farm outside Steward, IL in 1968. The couple lived there 43 years before decamping for Rockford in 2011. After Robert’s passing in 2018, Shirley moved to a farmette in Franklin, TN where she could be nearer both children. She enjoyed spending time with family, viewing the horses outside her kitchen window, and watching NBA—especially Steph Curry and 815’s own, Fred VanVleet. While primarily a homemaker over the years, Shirley was proud of her accomplishments outside the home. At various times she served as cafeteria cook for Steward Elementary School, administrative secretary for Ashton Bible Church, and truck driver for R&R Cattle Company. She was multi-talented and widely loved. She will be missed. 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Marcy (Dean) Hall, her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Melissa Carlson, and three grandchildren: Caleb Alan Hall, Kenzie L Carlson, and Reagan R Carlson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alan Dean, her husband of 53 years, Robert R Carlson, and her grandson, Michael Robert Hall in 1998. 

Shirley’s earthly body has been laid to rest at Welsh Cemetery, Big Rock, IL. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6 th St, Rochelle from 10AM-1PM. Rick Carlson is slated to say a few brief words from 11-11:30AM.