Shirley Joyce Bradley Wagner, 88, of Leesburg, FL, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after facing small cell neuroendocrine cancer with strength, grace and unwavering faith.

Born on April 9, 1938, in Dongola, IL, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Maurice Lloyd Lentz & Helen (Troutman) Lentz. Throughout her life, she called Bourbonnais, IL & Bloomington, IL home, before settling in Leesburg, FL. Each community was blessed by her kindness, warmth and the many friendships she formed along the way.

Shirley was a licensed cosmetologist for many years, bringing her gift for making others feel special and cared for into her work. She had a remarkable eye for beauty and creativity, becoming known for her talents in decorating, gardening, cooking and baking. While living in Bloomington, her home was selected to be featured in Better Homes & Gardens House Walk, a wonderful recognition of the beautiful and welcoming spaces she created in all her homes.

A gifted pianist and accomplished seamstress, Shirley joyfully used her talents to bless others. She was a church pianist for over 60 years and played for several gospel groups. Her creativity was only surpassed by her love for people. Her home was more than a beautiful place. It was a place where people felt welcomed, valued and loved.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Along with her husband, Wendell Bradley, Shirley helped start Tri-Valley Baptist Church in Bloomington, IL, where she shared her love for the Lord and served others. Shirley & Terry attended First Baptist Church of Leesburg South Campus. She was a faithful prayer warrior who prayed daily for her family and those she loved. Through her words, actions and example, she showed others what God’s love looked like.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a beloved sister, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. She was not just a mother- she was her daughter’s best friend, their biggest cheerleader and the heart of their family. She celebrated every joy & accomplishment, offered encouragement and made sure that we always knew how deeply they were loved and treasured.

On June 30, 2012, Shirley married Terrace (Terry) Wagner in Kankakee, IL. Together they shared a life filled with love, faith, companionship and family, while continuing to build her beautiful legacy.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Terry Wagner; her daughters, Sheryl Mowry-Miller (Steve) and Shandra Jenkins (Ron); her sister, Brenda LaBon (Toby); her grandchildren, Ashlee DeNooy (Drew), Rachel Eggers (Heather), Rochelle Mowry (Melanie) and Farris Pierson (Brittany); great-grandchildren, Hudson, Nash, Willow, Oakley, Callie & Chloe; sister-in-law, Vida Mileris; nieces, Cindy Tanzar (Jeff) and Jessica Hines (Logan); nephews, Chris Lentz (Donna), David Lentz and Zachary LaBon; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice Lloyd Lentz & Helen Lentz; her brother, Farris Lentz, and her husbands, Jerry Dale Farris and Wendell Bradley.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing exactly where she is. We can only imagine the joy of her entering Heaven, seeing her Savior face to face, worshipping Him and being united with her loved ones who went before her. While we will miss her sweet beautiful smile, warm hugs, morning texts, faithful prayers and her loving presence every day, we rejoice in knowing this is not goodbye. It’s simply “until we meet again”! What a glorious day that will be.

Her love, her faith and her legacy will continue to live on through the generations of family she cherished so deeply.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for everyone who has prayed for us, provided meals, offered encouragement and walked beside us during this difficult time. Through each act of kindness, we have truly felt God’s love and faithfulness.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Her family will honor her wishes and her by returning her ashes to IL, where she will be laid to rest beside her first husband and our Dad, Jerry Dale Farris. To us, her final resting place reflects the love and memories of the many chapters of Mom’s life, and our family is at peace knowing she’s now with her Savior.