Edna M. Alsip
Edna M. Alsip, 90, of Vienna, died Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at 11:42 p.m. at Hillview Healthcare Center in Vienna.
She was born on Dec. 19, 1926, in Johnson County, the daughter of John Ozzo “J.O.” Evans and Essie Harris Evans.
On July 27, 1946, she married Lee Alsip in Vienna. He preceded her in death on Feb. 19, 1976.
She is survived by her children, Ron (Debbie) Alsip of The Villages, Fla., Joyce (Jim) Kimmel of Vienna, Richard (Janet) Alsip of Vienna, and Mary (Kenneth) Bartley of Dongola; 13 grandchildren, Julie (Paul) Nicks of Jackson, Tenn., David (Emily) Alsip of Hanson, Ky., Brad (Astrid) Alsip of Langevaag, Norway, Chad (Laura) Alsip of Tunnel Hill, Tad (Monica) Alsip of Streamwood, Andrew (Jennifer) Kimmel, Tommy Kimmel, Jennifer (Dan) Akridge, and Amy Alsip, all of Vienna, Levi (Katie) Harris and Clay (Katie) Harris, all of Dongola, Kendra (Sean) Wolters of Edwardsville and Drew (Brittany) Bartley of St. Peters, Mo.; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ann Evans of Vienna; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Jim Alsip; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Alsip; and a brother, Everett Evans.
She attended the Johnson County Public School system and received her certified nurse’s aide, CNA, training through Shawnee Community College. She was a homemaker and for many years was employed by TIP of Illinois Home Health Care Service as a nurse’s aide. Following her retirement, she continued her vocation as a private in-home health care aide and continued working into her 80s.
She was very active in many fraternal, community and benevolent organizations. She had held a plural membership and was Past Worthy Matron of both Banner Chapter No. 614 and Egyptian Chapter No. 30 Order of the Eastern Star, as well as being a member and current Worthy Matron of Anna Star Chapter No. 522 Order of the Eastern Star.
From 1997 to 1999, she served as the Grand Representative of Puerto Rico in Illinois for the Illinois OES Grand Chapter. She was a member and Past Worthy High Priestess of the Metropolis Shrine No. 89, Marie Shrine No. 12 in Paducah and Dorcas Shrine No. 61 in Marion, Illinois, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
She was a life member and Past Royal Matron of the former Queen Christiana Court No. 13 Order of Amaranth in Paducah, as well as a member of the Minnie Selby Court No. 3 Order of Amaranth in Elizabethtown, Ky.
She was also a member and Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge No. 28 in Metropolis, as well as being a life member of the Rebekah Lodge in Harrisburg.
She was a member of Everett V. Miller Southern Illinois Patron’s Club.
She was a longtime member of the Vienna Lion’s Club and the Harry Sullins American Legion Post ladies auxiliary.
She also is remembered for her tireless dedication and devotion to many worthy community causes. She volunteered countless hours at Faith Alive, the Vienna Area Christian Ministerial Alliance Thrift Store, as well as the Vienna First Baptist Church food pantry, and helping with resident activities at the Hillview Healthcare Center.
She enjoyed collecting and was especially fond of collecting teapots. She is remembered for her love of spending time with family and friends and for her cooking. She was widely known for her chicken and dumplings.
A service honoring the life of Edna M. Alsip was held Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Dr. Ed Hollis and Pastor Jay Franklin officiated. Burial was in Berea Cemetery, southeast of Vienna.
Eastern Star rites were accorded at 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to the Berea Cemetery Fund, c/o Tony Mathis, 2096 Westview Rd., Belknap, Ill. 62908.
To share a memory or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, visit www.baileyfh.com.
Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna was in charge of arrangements.