CAIRO, Ill. — Shirley Ann Keith, 86, of Cairo, Ill., died at 4:52 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012, at her home.

She was employed as a telephone operator for Illinois Bell, and also worked at the Alexander County Courthouse and the Cairo Police Department before her retirement. She attended the Tigert Memorial United Methodist Church in Cairo.

She is survived by her son, Stephen E. Keith of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; her daughter, Vivian Windings of Olive Branch, Ill.; one brother, John Shepherd of Barlow; her stepson, Cecil Keith of Kevil; one granddaughter; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Keith; two brothers, and one sister. Her parents were Earl and Vivian Dowdy Shepherd.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens at Villa Ridge with Larry L. Potts officiating. Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo.