Geraldine Pritchett

Geraldine "Gerry" Pritchett, 74, formerly of Lexington and Sidney, IL, passed away at 1:35 a.m., Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Fairview Haven in Fairbury, IL. The sweetness of Jesus and all her many angels have received her now where she has united with her husband Joe and all our loved ones who have passed before her.

Gerry was born in on February 26, 1939 to Noah and Mable (Baldwin) Hendrick in Eldorado, IL. She married Bobby Joe Pritchett of Cottonwood on July 18, 1954. As newlyweds, Gerry and Joe made their first home in Cottonwood. They always treasured their lifelong friends from all the communities in which they lived. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1998. They were a very close, devoted, loving, and wonderful couple.

She is survived by their two children; a son, Bobby Joe, Jr. "Bob" (Claire) of Roseville, IL and a daughter, Rebecca Ann "Becky" (George) of Lexington, IL; Surviors also include: a sister, Charlet and nephew Randy of Herrin; Gerry had one brother, Melvin "Mel" (Bev) of Houston, TX who preceded her in death on May 29, 2009. Surviving nephews include Joel and Jay. "Rufus" is her beloved miniature schnauzer.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; a brother, Mel; a son-in-law, Burt on July 25, 2000; and a brother-in-law, Walt on July 9, 2012.

Gerry attended Eldorado Township High School, Eldorado, IL and University High School in Carbondale, IL and Parkland College in Champaign, IL. Mrs. Pritchett received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and graduated from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. Mrs. Pritchett taught in her 4the grade classsroom for several years, as well as various grade levels. She was a very dedicated and talented teacher who helped all the children she could in her lifetime. Additionally, Mrs. Pritchett was in the Master's Program and received the Title I-Reading Endorsement from the University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana. She adored children. After retiring from teaching, Gerry continued to assist young people with their reading and writing skills.

Gerry loved life and always had a sweet smile for everyone. She enjoyed teaching, cooking and baking, flower gardens, nature, fishing, St. Louis Cardinals, music and dedicated her faith to the Lord.

Mrs. Pritchett was a Baptist, Deaconess, Girl Scout Leader, Women's Club Member, Cottonwood Community Club Member, and a 50 plus year member of the May Chapter #783, Order of Eastern Star in Norris City, IL. She was a very sincere, generous, and loving wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend.

A Graveside service and burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 in Palestine #2 Cemetery in Omaha, IL.

Memorials may be given in Gerry's honor to: Palestine #2 Cemetery in Omaha, IL, The Sidney Community Library in Sidney, IL, Fairview Haven, Fairbury, IL, the Lewy Body Dementia Association- ldba.org, Parkinsons Research- www.ninds.nih.gov/research/parkinsonsweb/index.htm, the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition, www.multiple-system-atrophy.org or and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St, Carmi, IL 62821.

Gerry will be truly missed by all her loving family and friends. A special thank you is extended to the OSF Hospice, the Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury and the Evergreen Village in Normal, IL staff and residents for their care, dedication, kindness, and love. You will always remain in our hearts.