Shirley Lee Tozer, 97, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Concordia Village in Springfield. She was born August 18, 1926 in Springfield to Albert and Germaine (Van Fang) Stevenson. Shirley and older sister, Dorothy, grew up in the family home at 1808 N. 7th Street. She attended Ridgley Grade School and graduated from Lanphier High School in 1944. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Vice President of her class. During World War II, Shirley was enrolled in the Army Nurse Cadet Program and received her Nursing Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1947. She worked as a pediatric nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and later as head nurse of the pediatric wing at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. After just a few years, Shirley’s nursing career was put on hold while she raised her growing family. When she returned to nursing, she worked as a pediatric nurse for Dr. Ann Pearson, and later worked at the Illinois Department of Public Aid.
Shirley married her second husband, Loren Tozer, on August 19, 1977. They spent many happy years together, celebrating their 90th birthdays with a joint birthday party in 2016.
Shirley was always active in her church, First E.U.B. Church, which later became Trinity United Methodist. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was active in the Truvilo class and the United Methodist Women organization.
Shirley treasured her family and worked tirelessly to keep everyone close and connected. Her family will always remember holidays and Sunday dinners at the family home on 22nd Street. Over the years, there were many lovingly chosen cards and notes mailed to family members and friends for every holiday, birthday, life-changing event, and often just because she was thinking about you.
Above all else, Shirley’s faith in her Lord and Savior was most important. She prayed for her children and grandchildren daily.
Shirley was loved by her family and all who knew her. Her absence is keenly felt, but the assurance that she is now in her heavenly home is a comfort and a blessing.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Germaine Stevenson, her husband, Loren E. Tozer, and her sister, Dorothy Stine-Lane. She is survived by her children, Sandra (Richard) McClure, Stuart (Beverly) Vost, Michael (Connie) Tozer, Sharon (Ed) Curtis, Steven Vost, Pam (Greg) Michaud, Scott (Kathy) Vost; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Kumler Neighborhood Ministries, Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Private ceremonies were held and she was laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family is being served by Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, Illinois.
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