Annabel Lewis

Annabel Lewis, 79, of Loves Park, IL passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, June 13, 2022. She was born November 5, 1942, in Blue Diamond, KY, the daughter of Rev. James and Margaret Shepherd. Annabel was raised in Ages, KY. She loved school and excelled with straight A’s. Along with her talented musician father and siblings, she sang and played guitar at church and many porch gatherings. In 1960 she married and moved to Rockford, IL.

She raised 4 boys with complete devotion. She always made sure her young kids were extra presentable in dress and manners. She played games, helped with homework and supported all of the boys’ sports and hobbies with great enthusiasm. Lots of schedules were juggled to make it work. She taught them how to play guitar and piano leading to a real family band. They practiced and performed on a stage built in the basement before moving on to public performances.

After all her boys left the nest Annabel worked at Rockford Register Star for over 20 years in the obituary department. She was very proud of her work and was loved by all of the local funeral directors for her personality and devotion to her special task. (This week the funeral home told of an unknown practice of hers. She would periodically secretly meet them in the parking garage at work to get late obituary text submissions. She would then rush to enter them into the system after the official deadline had already passed for the day. She knew how important it was to the families.)

She was a loving, devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing the guitar, piano, and singing. A talented seamstress/designer, she designed, tailored and made clothes for herself and others. She crocheted custom original Barbie clothes as well as magnificent tablecloths and doilies. She loved drawing, flower gardening, and for the last 10 years doting over her beloved dog Oliver always by her side. Most of all, Annabel loved the time she spent with her family. Annabel always said her proudest and greatest achievement was raising 4 wonderful sons.

Annabel is survived by her sons, Curt Jr. (Vicki) Lewis, Tony (Karrie) Lewis, Brian (Vicki) Lewis, Jeff (Zoe) Lewis; grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Kaylee, Curt III (Trace), Allie, Jessica, April, Jordan, Travis, and Austin; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; siblings, Joan (Ellis) Herndon, Robert (Sharon) Shepherd, and Anita Shields (Paul), multiple nieces/nephews and her devoted dog Oliver. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ralph, James, and Bill Shepherd.

She was a true southern belle. A private gathering to honor her will be held at a later date back home in Kentucky.