Shirley Marlene Cummins' Obituary
Shirley Marlene Cummins, 90, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.
She was born on November 23, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Beauford Helm and Leona Abell Helm. Her most important work was as a homemaker, dedicating herself to her family. She was of the Christian faith.
Shirley was an avid volunteer with the local Salvation Army Home League. She assisted countless women in her community, over many years of service, by keeping them active and moving. Teaching line dancing and going to Cardinals games was a particular passion of hers that she shared with the women of Decatur and Macon County.
Even when not volunteering, she loved going to Cardinals games and watching them on TV. She would rarely miss a game when she could help it. She loved traveling, especially going on cruises with her friends. She loved to collect bells and tins from all over and displayed these trinkets prominently in her home.
Shirley was a gardener for many decades and took much pride in watching the fruits of her labor bloom into fruition. However, above all else, she had a love of family and absolutely enjoyed it when her home was full of kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, William Jennings Cummins; son, David Cummins; siblings, Beauford Helm Jr., Donald Helm, Marvin Helm, and Doris Liczkowski.
Shirley’s daughter, Lisa (Chris) Pryer, passed away two days after her, on July 3, 2026.
Those surviving include: son, Doug Cummins, of Arlington, Texas; sister, Loretta Michael; grandchildren, Ryan Cummins, Samantha Cummins, Rebecca Salinas, Trista Pryer, Jason Cummins, Joe Nichols, Jim Nichols, and Jamie Nichols; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Service for Shirley Cummins will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service, with interment to follow in Macon County Memorial Park.
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