Doris Shackelford

Doris Catherine Shackelford, 99, died at 3:44 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born December 10, 1916, in Greene County, IL, she was the daughter of Charles and Beatrice (Borman) Smith. On April 15, 1939, she married Dean Edwin Shackelford at the Eldred Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1970. Doris, who was known to family and friends as Dodie, came to Alton in 1943. She lived in the same home from 1951 until her death. She was the oldest member of First Presbyterian Church in Alton. As a young adult she taught piano lessons, and she was a lifelong avid reader and student of history. She enjoyed collecting and loved “old things.” In the 1940s and 1950s she and her husband had an antique shop in their home. She worked at the Montgomery Ward catalog store in Alton from the day it opened in 1957 until the day it closed in 1982, rising to the position of credit manager. For the past 30 years Mrs. Shackelford participated in aerobics at Metro Sports, and until shortly before her death she drove her own car. She was an avid gardener and loved dolls. She enjoyed cooking and always roasted the Thanksgiving turkey. Nearly every evening meal was capped with ice cream, her favorite food. Her family was her greatest joy, and she especially treasured holding each great-grandchild.

Surviving are three children, Judith Ann Shackelford (Carol Frances Anderson) of Santa Fe, NM, Dr. Gary Dean Shackelford (Dr. Penelope Greta) of Milton, WI, and Barbara Carole McAfoos (Wendell Ermon) of Alton. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Lisa Christine Shackelford (Eduardo A. Larenas) of Doral, FL, Jason Wendell McAfoos (Hannah C.) of Alton, Erin Carole Frew (John N.) of Godfrey, Carey Elizabeth Schultz (Jason G.) of Plainfield, IL, and Meghan Marie McAfoos of Alton; 11 great grandchildren, Isabel Rose Larenas, Sofia Rose Larenas, Caspen Quinn McAfoos, Christian Wendell McAfoos, Vivienne Carole Frew, Jack Henry Frew, Oliver Wendell Frew, Avery Elizabeth Schultz, McKenna Marie Fox, Ethan Wendell Fox, and Kaia Quinn Fox. She is also survived by a sister, Ada Eileen Cunningham, of Carrollton. In addition to her parents and husband, those who predeceased her were two brothers, Charles Luther Smith and Donald Smith, and three sisters, Emma Janette Brannan, Norma Newton, and Marjory Cunningham. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Alton. Reverend David Crowley will officiate. Burial service will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home