Shirlene Tong, 88, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away Monday, June 30th, 2025 in the presence of her family. Shirlene was a member of Pleasant Valley Community Church and past choir member of Walnut Memorial.
Shirlene was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, J.D. Tong, her siblings. Ann (Paul) Perusich, Gladys (Harrison) McKinney, Millie (Jerry) Benedict, a son in law, Joey Cecil, and a great grandson, Titus Stracener.
Left to our memories are her six children, Jolene Hardesty, Cathy Cecil, Jeff (Cindy) Tong, Mark (Kathy) Tong, Greg (Cynthia) Tong and Letitia (Mark) Baker.
Sixteen grandchildren, Alex (Christa) Hardesty, Andrea Hardesty of Paducah, KY, Laura (Eric) Velasco of Philadelphia, PA, Angela (Jeremy) Hatfield, Daniel (Bethany) Cecil, Ben (Mandy) Cecil, Andra (Jason) Burge, Victoria (Kyle) Bartlett, Jordan (Sarah) Tong, April (Derrick) Stracener, Landon (Kayln) Tong, Logan Tong, of Maryville, TN, Aaron (Sydney) Tong of Maryville, TN, Natalie (Steven) Miller, Corie Hodges, Wade (Tori) Hodges, Keyes (Amber) Baker, Sarah (Ben) Andriakos, and Ryan (McKenzie) Baker. Shirlene also cherished 63 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandsons. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and many great friends.
Shirlene was a prayer warrior and had a passion to help anyone going through a troubled time. Her love language was gift giving. She had a beautiful voice which landed her in numerous church choirs. Our mother had the gift of humor. She did not sorrow as those who have no hope as her faith was in Christ and Christ alone. She will be missed.
The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to Hillcrest Nursing and Rehab for the excellent love and care she received there and to the Heartford House for her last hours of loving care.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory. Entombment will follow the service at the Rosehill Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, July 2 and from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Thursday, July 3 at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.