Remembering Departed Friends and Clasmates
Sue Ann Jobe Peters, 1939-2019, 1957 Class, Registered Nurse at Union County Hospital, School Nurse at both the Jonesboro Elementary and the Anna-Jonesboro High School, 1979 Souther Illinois Mother of the year, Information furnished by A-J Classmate Friends.

Sue Ann Peters, age 80, of Benton, formerly of Anna, died Thursday, May 30, 2019 in the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born January 21, 1939 in Murphysboro, the daughter of Kenneth and Susan (Jones) Jobe. She married the love of her life Charles Edwin Peters on September 22, 1960 in Stryker, Ohio. Charles preceded her in death on July 10, 2005. Sue is survived by her five sons, Mark (Janice) Peters of Houston Texas, David (Tina) Peters of Webster Groves, Missouri, John (Jackie) Peters of Geneseo, James (Helen) Peters of Olympia, Washington, and Steve (Cydee) Peters of Denver, Colorado; six grandchildren, Christopher (Whitney) Peters, Bradley (Kaitlyn) Peters, Nicole Peters, Josie Peters, Lucy Peters, and Keira Peters; great grandchild, Zachary Peters; brother, Kenneth (Doris) Jobe of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister, Sandra (Gene) Pikula of Cherry; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Edwin Peters; brother, Gene Jobe; and an infant sister Kendra Jobe. Sue worked as a registered nurse at the Union County Hospital from 1960 to 1969. She then worked 1969 to 1989 as the school nurse for both the Jonesboro Elementary and the Anna-Jonesboro High School until her retirement. Sue raised five boys and was a very enthusiastic supporter of all of their sports activities. She loved being a nurse and she was always there for anyone with advice or a helping hand in their time of need. She performed many in home deliveries and followed up on every call. She was very passionate about her faith and her family. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2019 in the Immanuel Baptist Church 516 North Main Street in Benton with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery. Friends may call after from 5-8 pm on Wednesday June 5, 2019 at the Immanuel Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands of Immanuel Baptist church in Benton. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church.

Peggy Sue Casper Penrod, 1939-2019 1957 Class, Information furnished by A-J Classmate Friends.

Peggy Sue Penrod, 79, of Troy, was born on July 6, 1939, in Vienna. She died on Monday, May 6, 2019, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She and James ran their trucking business from 1973 to 1998. She was preceded in death by her son and his wife, Todd (Colleen) Penrod; a grandchild, Austin Penrod; her parents, Clyde and Beulah (nee Ditterline) Casper; a sister, Bobbie Page; and a brother, Victor Casper. Surviving are her husband, James Penrod, whom she married on Sept. 22, 1957, in Carbondale; children Angel (Dannie) Sipes of Troy, Shawna (Brent) Loper of Concord, N.C., and Mark (Patti) Penrod of Shiloh; grandchildren Tyler (Iryna) Penrod, Jordan (Justin) Pendergrass, Kelsey and Karoline Sipes, Nathan and Eli Loper, Jessica (Cory) Taylor and Kayla Penrod; and great-grandchildren Monroe and Andie Pendergrass and Vanessa Taylor. Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. Online expressions of sympathy can be made to www.Richesonfh.com. A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Richeson Funeral Home in Troy is in charge of arrangements.

Bill Miller, 1940-2019, A-J 1958 Graduate, Air Force Col. Information furnished by A-J Classmate Friends.

Billy (Bill) J. Miller was born on Nov. 13, 1940, in Anna, and is now resting in the arms of his beloved Lord. Bill grew up in Anna, where he graduated from high school then went on to attend Southern Illinois University. After graduating with a BA in Child Psychology, Bill joined the United States Air Force. In 1962, Bill attended Officers' Training School in San Antonio. Bill met his future wife, Vicenta (Vicky) Castillo while attending an Officers' Training Club function. Vicky was working at Brooks Air Force Base during this time. They were married on May 8, 1963. They have one son, David L. Miller. While in the military, Bill also received an MA in Psychology from Ball State University in Indiana. Most of his military career was with the Logistics Command with assignments in Germany, Vietnam, the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. After retirement from the Air Force, Bill and Vicky made their home in Anna. He built their dream home on 19 acres of land. Bill then began a new career with the State of Illinois as an Administrator or Veteran's Homes. In 2002, he decided to retire from his State career to become a vinter. Bill grew his own grapes and produced a line of his own wine on the small acreage in Anna. Bill loved life, golf, poker, billiards and most of all music and to sing praises to his Lord. In 2008, Bill and Vicky made the decision to move to Air Force Village II (now Blue Skies of Texas West.) Bill became an active member of the Protestant Church Choir and serving on the board. Sadly, on May 30, 2018 Bill's wife of 55 years passed. Bill found love again in his second wife, Juanita. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky; parents Francis and Josephine Miller; and sister Kay F. Hawkins. He is survived by his current wife, Juanita; son David and wife Disa; grandsons William and Cameron; sister ary Jane Lasley Jennings (Charles); brother David: and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was a stranger to no one and loved by all. He will be missed. Memorial Servic will be June 7, 2019, in High Flight Chapel a 1:30 p.m., with reception to follow in CC rooms. Memorial Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or Air Force Villages Chapel Fund.

MARLENE FREEBERN KUIKMAN 1942-2019, Student of the Class of 1960, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

MARLENE FREEBERN KUIKMAN March 16, 1942 - February 09, 2019 Marlene Freebern attended Anna Jr High and AJCHS with the class of 1960. At that time. she was living with the Ryland Pearl family in Anna, along with her sister Nancy Freebern and a younger brother. I had been in contact with Marlene quite often during the past 13 years. After not hearing from her this winter as I usually do, I decided to "Google" her. Sadly, I found the following obituary for her online. Marlene L. (Freebern) Kuikman, 76, of Beloit, WI, died Saturday, February 9, 2019 in Beloit Memorial Hospital. She was born March 16, 1942 in Granville, IL, the daughter of James and Edith (Almquist) Freebern. Marlene was a 1960 graduate of Granville Illinois High School. She married Melvin Kuikman in 1963 in Chicago, IL. He preceded her in death in 1987. Marlene was formerly employed and retired from Mule-Hide Products. She was a talented pianist. Marlene was a former member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the Quilting Club. Marlene was on the board of directors and the past vice president of Beloit Riverfest. Survivors include her daughter, Anne-Marie (Gerard) Dolci of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Eric Kuikman of Beloit, WI , Nicole Kuikman of Janesville, Wi, and Nickolas Dolci of Columbus, OH; great grandson, Jaxon; longtime partner and fiancé, Russell Podzilni of Janesville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Eric Kuikman, and six siblings. Per Marlene's wishes, there were no services. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd, Beloit. WI assisted the family. Please keep Marlene's family in your thoughts and prayers. I have no addresses for any of her family, but you can go to the funeral home's website to see a photo of Marlene and leave a condolence for them. The website is: www.daleymurphywisch.com Marlene's sister, Nancy Freebern was married to Ed Modglin, sister of Barbara Modglin Prinster of our class. Nancy, Ed, and Barbara have all passed away. Joyce Bell

Harlan Q Coffman 1937 2019, A-J 1955 Graduate, FBI Agent, Union County Sheriff, Information furnished by A-J Classmate Friends.

Harlan Q Coffman , age 81 of Jonesboro, died Monday, February 4, 2019 at the Union County Hospital in Anna. He was born July 3, 1937 in Jonesboro, the son of Francis and Zella (Hileman) Coffman. He married Carmen (Cross) on November 16, 1957 in Corinth, Mississippi. Harlan is survived by his loving wife Carmen Coffman of Jonesboro; son Mark Coffman of Reo Rancho, New Mexico; daughter Jennifer (Scott) Love of Amarillo, Texas; two grandchildren, Carmella and Calvin Love; brother Myrle (Stella) Coffman of Metamora; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, John, Tom, and Donald Coffman, Lavern and infant sister Reba Coffman. Harlan was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro for many years and very active in the Anna Kiwanis. During high school he was an outstanding basketball player and he was awarded a scholarship to ENMU in Portals, NM. While playing there he was part of two teams that went to the NAIA tournaments. He taught at the Jonesboro school for six years. He retired after working as an FBI agent for twenty three and a half years and later served as the Union County Sheriff after returning to Union County. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Pastor Mark Hasty Officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Kiwanis. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Bruce Fulenwider 1938-2019 A-J Class of 1956, Infurnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Bruce Fulenwider, 81, of Huntsville, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior March 27, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bruce was born on February 25, 1938, in Jonesboro, Illinois, to Jean and Maxine Fulenwider. Bruce proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960. He and his family moved to Huntsville, Texas, in 1968 when he went to work for Champion Papers International. Bruce later went to work for Sam Houston State University, where he retired in 1998 after 25 years of dedicated service. Bruce loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved his garden. He never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who knew him. He was an active member of Northside Baptist Church. And most of all, he loved his family. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Maxine Fulenwider; and his wife, Vernetta Fulenwider. He is survived by his brother Ronald (Paula) Fulenwider of Jonesboro, Illinois; children Karen Fulenwider, Charlotte (James) Harding and Alan (Becky) Fulenwider; grandchildren Amber Smith, Mandy Smith, Shelby Harding, Morgan Fulenwider (fiance Winston Derby), Garrett Harding and Dylan Fulenwider; great-grandson Cade Dehnert; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Harold Norman Davis 1944-2019, Member of the 1962 A-J Class, Army Veteran

Harold Norman Davis, age 74 of Anna, died Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born July 15, 1944 in Anna, the son of Nolan and Hazel (Brown) Davis. He married Barbara Sue Davis and she preceded him in death. Harold is survived by his three daughters, Pamela Sue Davis of Aurora, Lisa Jo Davis of Karnak, and Tamara Kay Beggs of Anna; son, Timothy Davis of Meade, Kansas; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one sister, Constance Young of Coello; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Barbara Sue Davis. He honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 21, 2019 in the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Reverend Jack Richardson officiating. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honor Team of Marion. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 21, 2019 in the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home.

Juanita Brimm Fuller 1922-2019, Parent of 1959 student, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Juanita Brimm Fuller, left this world Friday, March 15, 2019 as peacefully as the 97 years she lived in it. She was born February 5, 1922 in Kratsinger Hollow and lived her life there until she married the man that she spent the next 67 years of her life with, Homer W. Fuller. He preceded her in death on September 29, 2006. Juanita leaves behind her daughter and son in law, Judy and Gary Keller; granddaughter and "grandson", Toni and Rusty Flamm; reat-grandchildren, Jordi and Chad Pitts, Ellie and Kyle McDaniel, Joseph Flamm, Sydne Kel Miller, Eric Flamm, Bea Miller; niece, Kathy Rion; and the latest loves of her life, the skittle eating great-great grandsons, Kellen Pitts, Lucas and Beckett McDaniel; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Dent and Bea (McMillion) Brimm; husband, Homer W. Fuller; beloved granddaughter, Tami Miller; sister, Ruth Tweedy and niece Brenda Laster. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Billy Carter officiating. Interment will be in the Casper Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2019 in the Rendleman Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tamara Miller Nursing Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Hancock Michael 1945-2019 A-J 1964 student, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Michael Leo Hancock, 74, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully in his home, with his family at his side on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Mike was born Jan., 13, 1945, in Anna, the son of Leo and Louise (Singelton) Hancock of Jonesboro. He married the love of his life, Rita Spurlock, 27 years ago on June 6, 1992, in Mt. Pleasant. Mike is survived by his wife Rita; one daughter, Michelle Hancock and Ricky Brown of Union County; sons, Joseph (Cyndi) Hancock and Michael Hancock all of Jonesboro; stepsons, Kevin (Ilse) Easterly and Wayne Easterly; stepdaughters, Lori (Jerry) Astin and Jamie (Thomas) Robertson all of Union County; dozens of grandchildren; great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Louise; stepfather, Bill Farris; sister, Kathy Hancock; and half-brother, Mark Farris. Mike served as a deputy in Union County, under Sheriff Larry Tripp. He then served as a deputy in St. Charles County, Mo. and as a fire fighter for the City of St. Charles, Mo. He began a career that would last over forty years, as an over the road truck driver. He drove in forty-eight states, Mexico, and Canada as an owner operator. Mike and Rita enjoyed many years of retirement together, visiting friends and spending time with family. He was loved and he will be missed. Mike was saved and believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Interment was in the Alto Pass Cemetery. To view the obituary and leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Valerie Ann Sullivan 1970-2019 A-J 1989 student, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Valerie Ann Sullivan, age 48 of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in the Union County Hospital in Anna. She was born August 30, 1970 in Cairo, the daughter of Ronald Milner and Sandra Gail (Jones) Sullivan. Valerie Ann is survived by her adoring sons, Zachariah and Zebediah Sullivan both of Jonesboro; parents, Ronald and Sandra Sullivan of Jonesboro; two aunts, Sherma Boner of Jonesboro and Diana (Bill) Simmerman of Granite City; cousins; other relatives and many friends. Valerie Ann was a gentle and compassionate person, she was always smiling. Her two sons were the joy of her life, she loved them both dearly. Valerie was a caretaker to her son Zack and also worked as a cook for many years. Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Bobby Richardson officiating. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. and until the service hour at 4 on Monday, April 1, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist the family. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Martha Ann Garrett 1942 2019, A-J 1960 Graduate, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Martha Ann Garrett, age 76 of Jonesboro, died Thursday, January 10, 2019 in the Union County Hospital in Anna. She was born July 1, 1942 in Anna, the daughter of Elmer and Lucille (Roberts) Isaacs. She married the love of her life, Joseph A. "Joe" Garrett. He proceeded her in death on April 30, 2005. Martha is survived by her daughter, Darlene (Bill) Osteen of Broken Arrow, Ok; son, Jon (Lori) Jones of Key West, Fl; brothers, Robert (Shirley) Isaacs of Cobden and Richard Isaacs of Anna; five grandchildren, Cassandra (Sean) Garvin, Bo Osteen, Dustin (Kristi) Osteen, Cortnie Osteen, and Lilli Stach; five great grandchildren, Alli, Anna, and Addie Garvin, Oliver and Owen Osteen; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe Garrett, and her son Brian Joe Garrett. Martha was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. She loved her church family and they loved her. She enjoyed rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cheering on the Saluki basketball team. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Pastor Mark Hasty officiating. I nterment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

John Paul Keller 1942 2018, A-J 1960 Graduate, Army Veteran, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

John Paul Keller 76, of Parson, Tennessee, formerly of Anna, died on Thursday, December 27 2018 at Decatur County Hospital. He was born on October, 2, 1942 to Donald Herbert Keller and Helen Pickles Keller. Dad wore many hats during his long productive life, but his favorite job was being a Salesman. Whether selling insurance, cars, or grain bins, he loved selling so much he always marveled that people paid him to do it. What he loved most about the job was interacting with other people and telling stories. You could go anywhere in the Southeastern or Mid United States where he didn't know someone or knew where the good restaurant was. As a result of selling grain bins for over 40 years, he would always point out grain bins that he was involved with while crossing the by ways and highways of America. Dad's job involved a tremendous amount of driving which he was well know. He would often meet with farmers one day, drive all night and meet with others the next day 100 miles away. Even after his retirement, he was always up for a trip and always in a hurry to get there. We sometimes referred to him as "gotta go". When not working, he enjoyed fishing and golfing. You would be hard pressed to meet a crappie fisher man that knew more about it than he. He would always remind us "if you aren't getting hung up, you won't catch any fish." When it came to golf, he was one of the few I ever saw wearing cowboy boots on the greens at the Union County Country Club. Dad was born and grew up here in Anna and graduated A-J High in 1960. Following graduation he served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years. About 30 years ago he moved to Central Tennessee, where he continued to live the remainder of his life. He referred to the people that lived on his hill outside of Parsons, Tennessee as his family. He always went out of his way to help out those around him. In the family, we referred to him as the reform school where we sent members for help. Hi door was always open. Others felt he went too far and people took advantage of his good nature, but he explain he didn't want to go to his grave thinking that he might have helped out someone but hadn't. He was an active member of Sardis Ridge Baptist Church in Parsons, TN, where he volunteered often for building projects. Dad enjoyed relatively healthy life and never allowed anything or anyone to slow him down. He is survived by his son, Tim Keller (Elaina) and children, Sydney Waters, Sailor Waters, Rosemary Waters, Elias Keller, Soren Keller, and Will Keller, his daughter Becky Hebel (Robert) and children, Samantha Nelson (Jedidiah) and children, Tatum and Caleb, Brandi Grice (Tommy), his sister Linda Kay Lence (Jim), and their family, Jeff Lence (Debbie), Jeffrey Lence, Jeffrey Lence, Reese Lence, Kylee Angel, Guinevere Angel, Eleanor Angel, Levi Lence Brian Lence, Sabrina Lence, Chris Lence (Debbie), special cousin, Mike Keller (Marilyn) and other cousin and relatives. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Crain Funeral Home in Anna Jonesboro. John life will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro. Those attending are invited to share a story about John. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery. Memorials may be too made to Ebenezer Hall Cemetery or American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Ralph Jerry Wall 1942 2018, A-J 1960 Graduate, Army Veteran, Information furnished by A-J Classmate and Friends.

Ralph Jerry Wall Jr., age 76, of Cobden, died Sunday, October 7, 2018 at his home. He was born March 24, 1942 in rural Anna, the son of Ralph Sr. and Agnes (Williams) Wall. He married Marva Hill in 1983 in Anna. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Marva Wall of Cobden; two daughters, Melanie Morrison of Anna and Belinda Hickam of Cobden; four grandchildren, Lindsey (Sully) Edwards, Jacob Blakely, Alexa Macy and TJ Macy; one great grandson, Blake Edwards; two brothers, Richard (Charlotta) Wall of Brighton and Ray Wall of Jonesboro; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; unborn great grandson, Christopher Edwards. Ralph was member of the Anna Nazarene Church and the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 V.F.W. of Anna. He served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. Ralph worked at Florsheim Shoe factory for twenty-seven years, he then worked at Choate Mental Health in dietary for eighteen years before his retirement. Memorial services for Ralph Jerry Wall Jr. will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018 in the Connect Point Church of Anna with Pastor Steve Guined officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Nazarene Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.

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Last Updated on 06/06/2019