Lori Ann Oakley

CHARLESTON, IL – Lori Ann Oakley, age 47 of Charleston and formerly of rural Westfield, Illinois, entered her Heavenly Home on October 19, 2017 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Salisbury Church, 2350 Madison Avenue in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Salisbury with Pastor Scott Sims officiating.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Coles County Farm Bureau Foundation or to the Coles County 4-H Program.  Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. 

Lori was born February 2, 1970 in Champaign, Illinois, the daughter of Steve and Nita (White) Shrader.  She married Kevin Oakley on August 18, 1990 at the Hutton Township Salisbury Church.  In addition to her husband of 27 years, left to cherish their many memories are her children, Benjamin Oakley and wife Katy of Champaign and Emilie Oakley of Louisville, Kentucky; her parents, Steve and Nita Shrader of Westfield; her brother, Rob Shrader and wife Jen of Charleston; and nieces, Addison and Rylee Shrader.  Don and Florence Oakley as well as Brian Oakley and wife Sheri and their children Jakob and Noah are also left to cherish their memories of a wonderful daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt.  Lori was predeceased by her grandparents and twin nephews, Luke and Nathan Oakley. 

Lori was a 1988 graduate of Charleston High School and furthered her schooling at E.I.U. and at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri where she attained an AAS Degree in Veterinary Technology.  For more than fifteen years she has been employed as an accounting clerk with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  She was a member of Salisbury Church and attended the Providence Church with her family while growing up. 

Lori devoted many years to the Coles County 4-H program and its youth as a club leader.  She always had a love for animals with a special fondness for raccoons.  Lori’s family provided her with the most joy, especially her children.  She loved nothing more than hanging out with Ben in the cattle barns or watching Emilie’s high school dance team perform.  Lori was quiet by nature and had the ability to always see the best in people.  Through the kindness of her actions and words spoken, Lori was a blessing to all who knew her.