CLINTON — On Saturday, April 10, 2021, Shirley Anne Gregory passed away at the age of 91. 

She was born on January 17, 1930, in Streator, Ill., to Lester and Maude King. Shirley graduated from Streator High School, in 1948, and then attended Minnesota Bible College, in Rochester, where she earned a degree in Music Ministry. 

After touring nationally as the gospel duo “The King Sisters” with her sister, Betty, Shirley relocated to Clinton, to become secretary of the First Christian Church, of Clinton, where she served as choir director, song leader, and adult Bible school teacher for many years.

Shirley married Philip F. Morin, of Clinton, and they had a daughter, Louanne. After Philip lost his life to cancer, she later married Charles H. Gregory, also of Clinton, who had three children from his previous marriage, Suzanne, Katherine, and John. 

Preceding Shirley in death were both parents, her sister, and both   husbands. Those left to cherish her memory include: Louanne Reynolds, of Dallas, Texas.; Suzanne Smith of Christiansburg, Va., Katherine Westfall, of Antioch, Ill., and John Gregory, of Alexandria, Va., as well as grandchildren, Preston Reynolds, of Denver, Colo., Mark Smith; of Christiansburg, Va., Josh Westfall, of Bloomington,  Ill.; Ashley Bishop-Courtney, of Elizabeth City, N.C.., and Cody Gregory, of Alexandria, Va.

Shirley had a lifelong passion for animals and supported Best Friends organization her entire adult life. She will always be remembered for her exceptional singing voice and enthusiasm leading the choir but mostly in her unwavering faith in her Lord.

Due to travel restrictions and COVID, the family has decided a celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 701 W. Jefferson, Clinton, IL. 61727, or if you wish to send a donation in her honor, please visit www.support.bestfriends.org.  To learn more about her life or to share a personal memory, please visit her online memorial:

shirleyannegregory@forevermissed.com.