Sue Ellen Shanahan, 76, of Jacksonville, died Sunday, May 18, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.

She was born November 1, 1948, the daughter of Jerry and Margaret (Dobson) Murphy. Sue married Jerry M. Shanahan on June 8, 1974, in Jacksonville, and he preceded her in death on December 11, 2009.

She is survived by her daughters, Audrey Burnett, Katherine Shanahan (fiancé, Jeremy Schofield), Kelsey Shanahan (partner, Devon Joyner), and Kacy C. (Matt) Wallsmith; grandchildren, Amie Madelyn Burnett, and Adler and Holder Owen Wallsmith; sisters, Mary Murphy Thomas and Grace Murphy Doolin; and nieces and nephew, Emily Reller, Sarah Graham, Alexis Murphy-Payne, Jessica Stepka, and Randy Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Patric Murphy (surviving wife, Jeannette).

Sue graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1966 and from the School of Radiologic Technology at Memorial Medical Center on July 1, 1976. From there, she embarked on a long career as an x-ray technician and sonographer. She worked at every hospital in the area at some point before ending her career as an ultrasound technician at Memorial Medical Center in 2013.

Sue was a "clothes horse" who always kept up on the latest fashion trends. She loved to travel, shop, gamble, and decorate for every holiday. She was also an avid reader who loved the library.

A funeral service will be held at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville at 3 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 1 – 3 PM prior to the service. Memorial donations are suggested to the Jacksonville Public Library. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.