Obituary of Shirley Jeanette Lang
Shirley Jeanette Evans Lang, who in 1968, became the first African-American teacher at Joliet West High School and went on to become the school's first African-American administrator and later its principal, died on Sunday August 9, 2026, she was 80 years old.
Over more than three decades in Joliet Township High School District 204, Lang rose from English teacher to division chair, assistant principal and principal, breaking racial barriers while expanding educational opportunities for young people. She retired in 2002 after serving as principal since 1999.
Born July 9, 1946, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Lang was the only child of Corrine Brantley Evans and Edward Evans. An honor student, she attended Jackson State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in English. She later earned master's degrees in Reading from Chicago State University and Educational Administration from Governors State University.
At Jackson State, she met fellow English major Otha O. Lang, who became her husband. Together, Shirley and Otha Lang built a family legacy in education. Both began their careers as English teachers in 1968 and went on to break racial barriers as educational administrators in Chicago's southwest suburban communities. Dr. Otha O. Lang died in 2009.
Lang joined Joliet West in 1968 and later taught at both West and Central campuses. In 1992, she was appointed Division Chair of Communications. In 1993, she became Assistant Principal and Joliet West's first African-American administrator. In 1999, she was appointed Principal.
Among Lang's most significant contributions was her leadership of the federally funded Minority Advancement Program, MAP. Through MAP, she helped establish academic and career pathways for Black, Brown and underserved students, exposing them to science, mathematics, technology, higher education and professional careers years before STEM and STEAM became widely established educational frameworks. The program received local, regional and national recognition.
Lang mentored generations of teachers and emerging administrators, many of whom went on to leadership positions. She believed education gave young people the opportunity to determine the direction of their own lives.
Lang was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, marking 52 years of membership. Her Christian faith remained central to her life.
Family remained at the center of Lang's life. She and her husband raised two daughters, Tarrah and Tracy. Tarrah Lang, a human resources specialist, served as her mother's primary caregiver. Tracy Lang became a performer, entrepreneur, and professor of dance and arts leader, continuing her mother's commitment to creating opportunities for young people through education.
Lang was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Otha O. Lang and her parents.
She is survived by her daughters, extended family, friends, sorority sisters, former students and colleagues.
Shirley Jeanette Evans Lang's legacy lives in the students whose futures she helped shape, the educators she mentored and the barriers she broke during a lifetime devoted to education and service.
In lieu of flowers, and in loving memory of Shirley Jeanette Lang, memorials can be made to Joliet Area South Suburban Alumna Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 706, Matteson, Illinois 60443.
A Memorial Service celebrating Shirley Jeanette Evans Lang’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) in Joliet, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
