Shirley Joan Caldwell

Shirley J. Caldwell, 91, formerly of Sims, IL, passed away at 3:27pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Newburgh Health Care in Newburgh, IN. 

Shirley was born on November 11, 1933, in Geff, IL, to Henry and Gula (Reams) Hilliard. On November 26, 1950, she married the love of her life, Hosa Vice Caldwell, who preceded her in death in 2015. 

Shirley had been a caregiver most of her life, both professionally and for family and friends. She was a member of the Mt. Olive General Baptist Church in Bluford. Shirley loved to refinish furniture as a hobby and also loved horses and her favorite animated character, Winnie the Pooh. 

Survivors include her five children David Caldwell and Arminda “Mindy” (Earl) Mark both of Sims, IL, Hosa Caldwell, Jr of Wayne City, IL, Cynthia Wells of Newburgh, IN, and Timothy (Tanya) Caldwell of Evansville, IN, 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, a special niece Kay Dudley, along with several other nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hosa, an infant son Henry Thomas Caldwell, a granddaughter Typhanie Wells, two brothers Aaron Hilliard and Merle Tucker, and 5 sisters Eleanor Tucker, Mary Helen Shaw, Henrietta Dalton, and infant sisters Marilda and Doris June Tucker. 

Funeral services for Shirley Caldwell will be at 1pm on Monday, November 10th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. 

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