Shirley Marrs

WILMINGTON—Shirley Ileen Marrs (nee Coleman), 90, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born on July 15, 1935, in Denver, CO, to William and Nadine (Bryant) Coleman.
On Oct. 1, 1960, she married the love of her life, William Earl Marrs, in Denver, CO. Together they shared 37 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and devotion, until his passing in 1998.
Shirley was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She was employed as a data processor with Ecolab in Joliet and volunteered to prepare taxes at several area libraries for nearly 25 years. In her free time, Shirley enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading, and she loved Sudoku. She also enjoyed water skiing. Above all, Shirley adored her family. She went to every one of her grandchildren's sporting events and treasured time spent together as a family, especially with her grandchildren.
Shirley is lovingly survived by her five sons: William “Bill” (Peggy) Marrs, of New Iberia, LA; Rick (Vicki) Marrs, of Franklin, TN; Mike (Lora) Marrs, of Ocala, FL; Ron Marrs, of Bonfield, IL and Dave Marrs, of Wilmington. Her pride and joy were her family, and she found her greatest happiness in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She leaves behind 12 cherished grandchildren: Terry, Francis, Kristyn, Andrew, Jenifer, Nicole, Kim, Rebecca, Emily, Alyssa, Natalya, and Karina, each of whom held a very special place in her heart. Shirley was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, and she delighted in watching her family continue to grow through the generations.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her daughter-in-law, Anne Marrs.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Mike Strunga will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Braidwood, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Shirley's name may be made to the Wilmington Fire Prevention District. Please make checks payable to: Wilmington Fire Prevention District, Att. Miranda Cupples, 201 North Kankakee St., Wilmington, IL 60481.
For more information and to visit Shirley's online guestbook, please visit www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is entrusted with arrangements.