Elizabeth "Betty" Shadowens Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Elizabeth “Betty” Shadowens, age 84, of Marion, IL, passed away at 8:03 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012, in Carmel Home in Owensboro, KY. She was born in Marion, IL, on April 4, 1928, the daughter of Gilbert and Gertrude “Gertie” (Phillips) Jackson. She was united in marriage to Melvin R. Shadowens on August 29, 1944, in Blytheville, AR and together they shared 63 years of marriage until his death, October 16, 2007. Betty and Melvin opened the Little Egypt Smorgasbord in Marion, which they operated until their retirement. Following their retirement they moved to Florida where Betty sold Mobile Homes while Melvin enjoyed playing golf. Together they purchased used Mobile Homes that they would recondition and resell. They liked to entertain, playing cards and enjoying cookouts with family and friends. Together they loved to travel, enjoying points of interest along the way. Most important in her life was her family, especially her children and grandchildren, watching them grow up, and encouraging them in their many activities and interests. Betty was of the Protestant faith. She is survived by her two sons, Curtis Shadowens and Michelle Dellamura of Marion and Melvin Ray Shadowens and his wife, Mary Kay of Scottsdale, AZ; grandson, Kyle Shadowens of Houston, TX; three granddaughters, Katie Shadowens of Sarasota, FL, Marla Wahlenmaier and Melanie Dreckmeier both of Scottsdale, AZ; three great grandsons, Mason Majerle, Jordan Dreckmeier and Maddox Wahlenmaier all of Scottsdale, AZ; brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Kay Jackson of Marion, IL; other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Reba Ice and Violet Henderson and two brothers, Oral and Russell Jackson. Arrangements for Elizabeth “Betty” Shadowens were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation for the family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 13th, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflections of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Betty’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home of Marion, IL, with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Lori Creamer. Special vocal musical selections presented were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” both by vocalist, Brian Summers with pianist, Lori Creamer accompanying. Special recorded vocal selection presented was “Always” by Patsy Cline. Interment followed next to her husband in the Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Melvin Ray Shadowens, Curtis Shadowens, Brad Wendel, Barden Wendel, Kyle Shadowens and Gilbert Jackson. After the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Ryan’s Steakhouse of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Elizabeth "Betty" Shadowens

April 4, 1928 - June 11, 2012