Obituaries
Wil
WILCOX, Gladys Annette 'Nettie' Wilcox - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 16, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Gladys Annette 'Nettie' Wilcox, 1936-2007, Beardstown
Gladys Annette "Nettie" Wilcox, 70, of Beardstown, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, at her residence.
She was born July 4, 1936, in Mason County, the daughter of Phineas and Ethel Pierson.
She is survived by two sons, Raymond, (wife, Ruth) of Rock Falls and Lonnie (wife, Tracey) of Jacksonville; two daughters, Martha (husband, Dan) Newman of Brookfield, Mo., and Ruth Illias of Beardstown; six grandchildren, Douglas, David and Josh Wilcox, Sasha Illias, and Zachary and Scotty Burns; and one sister, Helen Dickman of Meredosia. She was preceded in death by three sons, Allen, Bruce and Douglas Wilcox; two brothers, Phineas and Art Pierson; and her longtime companion, DeWitt Riley.
Mrs. Wilcox was very fond of her dogs and would take in any strays that needed help.
Graveside funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Fairview Cemetery near Chandlerville. Sager Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.
WILKEY, Corey R. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, December 2004 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Corey R. Wilkey 1968-2004 Virginia
Corey R. Wilkey, 36, of rural Virginia, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004, near his residence.
He was born November 19, 1968, in Jacksonville, the son of C.R. and Beverly Dotzert Wilkey. He married Joey Lynn Logan on June 15, 1996, at Annie Merner Chapel in Jacksonville, and she survives.
He is also survived by one son, Carter Ross Wilkey of Virginia; one daughter, Hannah Logan Wilkey of Virginia; his mother, Beverly Dotzert Marsh (husband, Alvin) of Bluffs; one sister, Andrea Freitag (husband, Kim) of Canton; three nieces; three aunts; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Katherine and Fred Dotzert and Cleona and Carl Wilkey.
Mr. Wilkey was a self employed farmer and road commissioner for Sangamon Valley Township. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs. He was a 1987 graduate of Virginia High School and attended Lincoln Land College. He was a former member of Cass-Morgan Young Farmers and currently served as a board member of Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau. He loved his family, friends and farming.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. today at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. Memorials are suggested to the Wilkey Education Fund to benefit Mr. Wilkey’s children. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com
WILKINS, Charles E. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 20, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Charles E. Wilkins - 1921-2003 - Beardstown
Charles E. Wilkins, 81, of Springfield and formerly of Beardstown, died Thursday morning, April 17, 2003, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 5, 1921, in Beardstown, the son of Charles and Lulu Hillis Wilkins. He married Edna "Alberta" Davis May 3, 1946 in Beardstown, and she survives.
He is also survived by one son, Gregory (wife, Doris) of Springfield; two daughters, Susan (husband, Ronald) Taylor and Sharon (husband, Charles) Hamilton, both of Springfield; three grandchildren, Mark Harris of St. Louis, Dawn Petty of Overland Park, Kan., and Michelle Hamilton of Springfield; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marjorie (husband, Marland) Davis of Homestead, Fla., and Betty Clayton of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Barbara Harris; and one brother, Bill Wilkins.
Mr. Wilkins was a graduate of Beardstown High School. He joined the Army Air Corps at Chanute AFB in Rantoul in 1940. He flew P51's throughout World War II. After being discharged from the Army Air Corp at the end of the war, he joined the 170th Fighter Squadron which is now the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group based in Springfield. The squadron was called to active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1951 for the Korean Conflict. The last 12 years of his 25 year career were spent in the Strategic Air Command flying K97 refueling tankers. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1965 at the rank of Major. He was decorated with the following medals: ADSM, ACM, KSM, NDSM, UNSM, WWIIVM, AFLSA, (3 OLC) and AFCM.
Graveside memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Beardstown City Cemetery. Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Expressions of sympathy and concern may be sent to the family online to goodwinfh@casscomm.com.
WILLIAMS, Curtis - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, June 11, 1943 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Curtis Williams, son of John H. and Cynthia Ward Williams was born near Newmansville April 25th, 1862, and departed this life June 7th, 1943, at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 12 days. He was united in marriage to Mary Shores Sept. 14th, 1893. To this union was born one child. Both wife and child passed away in the year 1894. In the year 1896 he was united in marriage to Mary Oleson.To this union were born nine children. One son Harry preceded him in death Aug. 3, 1938. He is survived by his wife, four sons and four daughters, Milton of Jacksonville, Walter and Hershel of Chandlerville, Woodrow of Virginia, Esther Cox of Virginia, Sylvia Gilpin of Oakford, Myra Farrar of Rushville, Elizabeth Crouse of Ashland. Also 32 grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren survive as well as three brothers, Robert and Amos of Springfield and George of Ashland, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Emma Blair of Chandlerville and a host of friends and many other relatives. Curt as he was commonly called was always ready to lend a helping hand to others and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 9th, 1943, at Lintner & Sons funeral home at 2 p.m. with Rev. J.M. Judy officiating. Interment was made in the Chandlerville Cemetery. Music was furnished by Mrs. Alvin Gebhard and Mrs. A.J. Nollsch with Miss Vivian Garner as pianist. The flowers were cared for by Robertine Gilpin, Donna Jeane Williams, Rosemary Winner, June Farrar, Mary Eva Crouse and Marjorie Cox. The pallbearers were James Dietsch, Perry Burns, Troy Wilninson, Clate Craggs, Louis Salzman and A.J. Nollsch
WILLIAMS, Hershel Elbert - The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee, December 11, 1998 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Hershel E. Williams, 83, retired farmer and commercial fisherman, died of heart failure Thursday at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Brummitt Funeral Home with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. He was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie and a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Williams, the husband of Irma Schall Williams, also leaves a daughter, Ruth Carroll of McKenzie; a sister, Myra Farrar of Bellevue, Ill., and two grandchildren.
Note: Hershel lived most of his life in Cass County, Illinois, moving to McKenzie, Tennessee only a few years before his death. He was an excellent cook and his interests included genealogy. When he served in the U.S. Navy, he was a cook. The spelling "Myra" is incorrect. His sister was Cynthia Almyra "Myra" (Williams) Farrar. He was an uncle of the submitter's husband.
WILLIAMS, Inez C. - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, 1997 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Note: Inez had a connection to a Cass County family.
Inez C. Williams, September 9, 1907-September 27, 1997
Inez C. Williams, 90, Havana, Florida and formerly of Jacksonville, died at 9:20 p.m. Saturday, September 27, at Tallahassee, FL.
She was born September 9, 1907 in Shannon County, MO the daughter of William and Lillie McBride Coats. She married John Milton Williams on February 8, 1928 in Jacksonville. He preceded her in death on September 29, 1962.
She is survived by two sons, Charles Robert Williams (wife, Joyce) of Havana, FL and James Melvin Williams (wife, Judy) of Creve Couer, MO; two daughters, Mrs. Dale (Donna Jean) Maurer of Fullerton, CA and Mrs. Elroy (Janice May) of Murrayville; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of Westfair Baptist Church of Jacksonville and formerly employed at Elm City Cafe in Jacksonville.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will meet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be given to Westfair Baptist Church or the Senior Citizen Bus Service.
WILLIAMS, John Milton - The Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, October 14, 1962 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Note: John had a connection to a Cass County family.
Memorial Rites Held Mon. For J.M. Williams
Funeral services for J. Milton Williams, 59, were held Monday at 2 p.m., at the Gillham Funeral Home, Jacksonville, the Rev. William J. Boston, officiating.
Miss Ruth Rexroat presided at the organ and accompanied George McDonald who sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ and ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’
Pallbearers were Harold Rolf, Raymond Maul, Ray Maul, Carl Walter, Merrill Masten and John McGinnis. Mrs. Lawrence Mallicoat, Mrs. Merrill Masten, Mrs. Viola Ginder, Mrs. Irland Thompson and Mrs. John McGinnis arranged the flowers.
Burial was made in Walnut Ridge Cemetery.
He was born in Cass county Nov. 27, 1902, son of Curtis and Mary Oleson Williams. He was married to Miss Inez Coats, Feb. 8, 1928, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Leon, serving with the Air Force in Washington, D.C., Charles of Jacksonville, and James of Beardstown; two daughters, Mrs. Donna Jean Maurer of LaHabra, Calif., and Mrs. Janice Suttlers, Jacksonville; 11 grandchildren.
Three brothers, Hershel, Walter, and Woodrow of Virginia; four sisters, Mrs. Tom (Esther) Cox , Virginia, Mrs. Ruel (Elizabeth) Crouse, Canton, Mrs. Sylvia Gilpin, Norris and Mrs. Myra Farrar, Bellvue.
Mr. Williams was engaged in farming most of his lifetime. He was a member of th Literberry Baptist church, where he had previously served as a member of the Board of Deacons.
WILLIAMS, Larry E. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, March 7, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Larry E. Williams - 1942-2003 - Chandlerville
Larry E. Williams, 60 years, of Chandlerville, IL died Thursday Morning, March 6, 2003 at his residence.
He was born July 9, 1942 in Jacksonville, the son of Woodrow Emerson and N. Lucille Walbert Williams. He married Trudy Chesser and they were later divorced.
He is survived by two sons, Lance Williams and Neil, both of Chandlerville; his mother of Jacksonville; one sister, Bonnie Mefford of Peru; one niece; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his father.
Mr. Williams was a 1960 graduate of Virginia High School and attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He served with the U S Army, stationed stateside, from 1966 to 1970. He was a member of the Laborers Union and worked with R.D. Lawrence Construction Co. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and playing cards.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Gillham-Buchanan Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.
WILLIAMS, Lizzie - Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois, September 8, 1899 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Taken In Her Youth
The death of Miss Lizzie Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Williams, occurred at the family home yesterday.
She was afflicted with consumption and while her death was not unexpected, yet the shock to the bereaved family was very great. She herself realized the seriousness of her condition, and while she seemed to be making plans for her future, there were times when she felt her case was hopeless. She passed quietly away without any apparent suffering, surrounded by her stricken family.
Deceased was born August 1, 1882, and was consequently 17 years of age.She was a very lady like and loveable girl, and was held in very high esteem.
The funeral occurs this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, services to be conducted at St. Luke's Catholic church. Interment will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.
WILLIAMS, Nina Lucille - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, October 8, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Nina Lucille Williams, 1918-2006, Jacksonville
Nina Lucille Williams, 87, of Jacksonville, and formerly of Virginia, died Friday, Oct. 6, 2006, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
She was born Nov. 22, 1918, in Virginia, the daughter of Houston and Ada Nance Walbert. She married Woodrow Williams in 1938, and he preceded her in death in 1992.
She is survived by one daughter, Bonnie Mefford of Peru; four grandchildren, Travis Mefford of Virginia, Jessica (husband, Christopher) Kaufman of Kewanee and Lance and Neil Williams, both of Chandlerville; one sister, Hazel Carls of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Larry; two sisters, Pauline Newbern and Grace Noe; and two brothers, Clyde and Glenn Walbert.
Mrs. Williams was a house parent at Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville for 23 years, prior to her retirement. She had previously worked at Kordite.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The family will meet friends two hours prior to services Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be left at www.airsman-hires.com.
Note from submitter: Nina's nickname was "Toots."
WILLIAMS, Ollie Mae (Drinkwater) - Rushville TImes, Rushville, Illinois, March 1, 2000 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Ollie Mae Drinkwater Williams
Ollie Mae Williams, 98, of Beardstown, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
Mrs. Williams was born on Sept. 18, 1901, in Hagener Township near Beardstown, the daughter of Henry Drinkwater and Mary Ann Bolijack-Drinkwater. She married Harry B. Williams in Cass County on June 20, 1921.
She was the last surviving child of 12 children. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, Rosemary Winner, one grandson; her parents, and her 11 siblings, Walter, Beuhla, Elsie, Lydia, Rachel, Lizzie, Charles, Sarah, Ed and Frankie.
Mrs. Williams is survived by five grandchildren, Peggy (husband Elmer) Scheer, of Beardstown, Kay (husband Larry) Lawson of Springfield, Reta Winner of Anaheim, Calif., Cindy (husband Pete) Goshorn of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kevin Winner of San Antonio, Texas.
She attended several years of school with perfect attendance and near perfect grades. After the death of her husband, she did housekeeping for William DeSollar Sr., and the DeSollar Insurance Company for more than 47 years; and several other homes. She also worked at the Park House and Bowling Alley. She dedicated her life to hard work and to her family. Mrs. Williams did not fully retire until 1995.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at the Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown. Burial was at Virginia in the Walnut Ridge Cemetery.
WILLIAMSON, David H. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, February 26, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
David H. Williamson, 1945-2008, Ashland
David H. Williamson, 62, of rural Ashland, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at Cape Coral Hospital in Cape Coral, Fla.
He was born May 24, 1945 in Springfield, the son of Robert Earl and Esther Muriel Calhoun Williamson. He married Donna Donovan on June 12, 1965 in Union, Mo., and she survives.
He is also survived by a brother, Roy G. Williamson (wife, Malinda) of Pelzer, S.C.; two sisters, Dorothy "Dotti" (husband, Charles) Milner of Springfield and Mary Ann (husband, Jim) Andrews of Rock Island; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard L.; and onr sister, Eleanor.
Mr. Williamson was a graduate of Ashland High School and a retired iron worker. He served as a foreman for R. D. Lawrence Construction for most of his career and was a member of Iron Workers Local 46 of Springfield. He enjoyed restoring antique vehicles and attending car shows.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland, with burial in Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department or Village of Ashland Recreation Fund. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com
WILLIAMSON, Esther M. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, June 20, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Esther M. Williamson, 88, of Ashland, died Monday, June 18, 2007 at Heritage Manor in Springfield.
She was born March 17, 1919 in Pleasant Plains, the daughter of James N. and Mary Hudgins Calhoun. She married Robert Earl Williamson in 1938 and he preceded in death in 1966.
She is survived by three daughters, Dorothy "Dotti" (husband, Charles) Milner and and Candy (husband, Mike) Geist, both of Springfield and Mary Ann (husband, Jim) Andrews of Rock Island; two sons, Roy G. (wife, Malinda) of Pelzer, N.C., and David (wife, Donna) of Prentice; six grandchildren, Arlene Brown of El Paso, Texas, Marc Williamson of Davenport, Iowa, Mike Williamson and Robbie Williamson, both of Georgia, Lori Smothers of Springfield, and Melissa Miller of Grand Rapids, Mich.; several great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Eleanor Williamson; one son, Richard L.; four brothers, Jesse, Gilbert, Ernie and Amos Calhoun; and three sisters, Verdie Fulton, Eloise Schlecter and Frances Brunner.
Mrs. Williamson was a waitress at the Cozy Dog Drive-In, the downtown Kmart, and Thrifty Drug, all of Springfield. She was a member of Ashland Church of Christ and enjoyed playing Bingo.
Memorial services will be held 1:30 PM Friday at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Ashland Church of Christ. Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.
WILSON, Dorothy Jane - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, July 8, 2008 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Dorothy Jane Wilson, 1929-2008, Virginia
Dorothy Jane Wilson, 79, of Virginia, and formerly of Jerseyville, died Saturday afternoon, July 5, 2008, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
She was born March 22, 1929, in Jersey County, the daughter of Robert Lynn and Mabel June Sunderland Downey. She married William S. Wilson on June 12, 1947, in Jerseyville, and he survives.
She is also survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Donnie Rex Vaugh of Virginia; two sons and daughters-in-law, Randall Craig and his wife Julia Martinusen of Des Moines, Iowa; and William Stephen and Tamela Ann Wilson of Effingham; and grandchildren, Allison and Stuart Wilson and Gracie and Lyn Vaughn. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Edith Waggoner; and three brothers, Robert "Max," Charles and Harold Downey.
Mrs. Wilson was a homemaker and a bookkeeper and was a member of the Virginia United Methodist Church.
A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made tot he charity of the donor's choice. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
WILSON, John T. - Star Gazette, Beardstown, Illinois, January 28, 1921 - Submitted by Carol Orwig
Well known resident of City dies at home of daughter, aged 59 years.
John T Wilson, for many years a well known resident of Virginia and vicinity, died Monday morning, January 24, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R.B. Long, after a short illness.
Deceased was born in the Sugar Grove neighborhood near this city July 3, 1851 and with the exception of a brief period spent in Colorado, he lived his entire lifetime in and near this city. He was a Tinner by trade and was employed at the Lang hardware store in this city for 25 years and at the Meade store for 13 years. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Miss Lila Gilpin. Two children were born to them, Mrs. R.B. Long and Mrs. John G. Pratt, both of this city, who together with the widow survive him. He is also survived by three brothers, Charles and Joseph Wilson of this city and William of Beardstown, and one sister, Mrs. Arch Buckley.
Mr. Wilson had been a member of the local M.W.A. lodge for the past 28 years.
Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the home of his daughter, Mrs. R.B. Long, Rev Max B. Wiles officiating. Interment was made in Walnut Ridge Cemetery.
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