Willadean Smith Morris, 88, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:22 A.M. Saturday February 10, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born September 17, 1935, in Cullman, AL, the daughter of Sidney and Dora (Heaton) Smith. She married James O. Morris on February 20, 1987, at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sauk Village, IL. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by two daughters, Phyllis (Paul) Schreiner of Hoopeston, IL and Sondra Morris of Milano, FL; one son, David (Rosemarie) Capes of Dyer, IN; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 23 nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Willadean was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; two sons, Jimmy (MaDonna) Morris and Billy (Sharon) Morris; two sisters, Ollie Mae (Riley) Chidester and Pauline (Peter) Whatley; three brothers, Milford (Ollie Mae) Smith, James Bartow “JB” (Lorene) Smith, and George Comer Smith (Mary Gilbert). She was also preceded in death by her miniature chocolate dachshund, Sadie.
Willadean was an Air Filter Assembler at United Air Cleaner Co. in Chicago. She was an actively involved member of The First Free Will Baptist Church in Hoopeston. She loved putting puzzles together and framing them, gardening, cooking, and doing word finds. She also enjoyed changing her furniture around in her home, as it brought her great satisfaction. Willadean was an avid fan of Alabama football as she watched every game, cheering them on. During the warmer weather, she loved sitting outside on her front porch swing. Willadean stayed in touch with family and friends through Facebook, phone calls, and text messages and through the years she touched many lives.
A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday February 15, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday February 16, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, with Pastor Paul Schreiner officiating. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery in Tab, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 522 N. 10th Ave., Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Willadean’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
