Jean Louise Gilkison, 86, died at 2:59 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at home with her family by her side, while under the long-term care of caregivers from Absolute Healthcare, joined in the end by BJC Hospice.
She was born February 23, 1938, in DeKalb, Illinois, the daughter of George and Eva (VonOhlen) Pigott.
She married Donald Gilkison on August 23, 1958, in Sycamore, Illinois.
She attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She retired in 1969 from a career in teaching Home Economics to be a stay at home mom.
She was a member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church for 52 years and served the church in many roles. She was a member of PEO (Chapter IL), Godfrey Women’s Club, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity (Illinois Zeta), White Cross Auxiliary, Delta Kappa Gamma teacher’s honorary, and Alton Women’s Home Association.
She loved spending time with her family and friends and was a wonderful cook and seamstress. Her infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Libby and Alex Cannon; a son David Gilkison, all of Godfrey; six grandchildren, Sophie, Isabel, Jackson and Caroline Cannon and Isaac and Emma Gilkison.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, twin brother John, brothers Russell, Richard, Kenneth, and sister Ann.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Godfrey First United Methodist Church in Godfrey. Services will be immediately following at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Don Long and Jay Hanscom officiating.
A private graveside burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, Illinois at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Godrey First United Methodist Church.
