Photo courtesy of Markwell Funeral Home - Casey
Jul 22, 1922 - Mar 5, 2019
I was sad to learn of the passing of your mother. I didn't know her personally, but knowing Gen, I'm sure she was a wonderful person. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Talbott
March 12, 2019 | Martinsville, IL
Kendra, Riley, Faith and family, Your great-grandma was a wonderful lady! I have so many memories of her when she was babysitting Jordan. I especially remember that she always had a houseful of kids! I never worried about Jordan for one minute while he was in her care. After I married your Uncle Greg, she and your grandpa Carl came to visit us in Mt Erie to make sure he was taking good care of us. :) I wish I could come Monday to her service, but I will not be able to attend. You are...
Kim (Spittler) Keyser
March 08, 2019 | Geff, IL | Friend
Sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady. Will miss seeing her at Casey Health Care.
Nancy Phillippi
March 07, 2019 | Casey, IL
Carolyn and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.I know how sad it is to loose your Mother. They can never be replaced. Prayer for you and your family.
Shirley Slusser
March 07, 2019 | TUCSON, AZ | Friend
Carolyn and sisters, sorry to read about your mother's passing. She lived a long life and left a lot of memories. Will be thinking of you at this sad time. Jerry and Marilyn Ulrey
Jerrry Ulrey
March 06, 2019 | Springfield, MO | Friend
Genettia Nell (Nellie) Smith, age 96, of Martinsville, IL passed away March 5, 2019 at Casey Health Care, Casey, IL. She was born in Martinsville, IL on July 22, 1922 to James (Rainbow Jim) and Eva Wells. Nellie married Carl Raymond Smith. He preceded her in death.
Nellie had five daughters: Beverly Smith (deceased), Carolyn (Larry) Stephens of Westfield, IL, Catherine (Donald) Brenner of Las Cruces, NM, Ashley (Gary) Henigman of Charleston, IL, and Genettia (Alan) Dean of Martinsville, IL; grandchildren: Amy (John) Morecraft of Marshall, IL, Karen Combs (deceased), Damon (Amber) Girton of Terre Haute, IN, Alyx Henigman of Boston, MA, Pat Claypool of Mattoon, IL, Victor Claypool of Tallahassee, FL, and Jay Claypool of Phoenix, AZ; great grandchildren: Ethan Brewer of Oakland, IL, Kendra (Cole) and Riley (Justin) Donhou of Casey, IL, Faith Donhou of Martinsville, IL, Olivia and Bob Morecraft of Martinsville, IL, Wylder and Mayzie Girton of Terre Haute, IN, Kory, Patrick, and Jade Claypool of Mattoon, IL, Logan and Cody Claypool of Tallahassee, FL, and Kate Claypool of Phoenix, AZ and great-great grandchildren: Berklee Braden of Casey, IL, Brennan, Camden, Easton, Kaiden, Elayna, and Annabella of Tallahassee, FL. Her parents, husband and four siblings: Glen Wells, Minnie (Wells) Weir, Lunorius (Wells) Toner, and Mary (Wells) Lawerance preceded her in death.
Although Nellie spent most of her life in Martinsville, IL she also lived for a time in Paris, IL. As a young woman, Nellie worked as a waitress at the local restaurant in Martinsville where she met her future husband, Carl. While her children were young, Nellie was a homemaker and supplemented the family income by babysitting. At a school program many years ago Nellie realized that at one time or another she had cared for the majority of the children and even some of the parents present. She and her husband owned an antique business, Grandma’s Cupboard, where she developed her love of collecting. Later in life, Nellie became a CNA and worked at Paris Hospital and Heartland Manor.
Nellie enjoyed doting on her grandchildren and hearing about the exploits of her great grandchildren. She was known for her homemade oyster dressing, beef and noodles, and cherry pie. Nellie never missed an opportunity to eat out especially at pizza and Chinese restaurants. Nellie was a member of The First Baptist Church in Martinsville. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of Amaranth and White Shrine.
The family would like to thank the administration and staff at Casey Health Care and Lincolnland Hospice of Sarah Bush Lincoln for the care and compassion they provided to Nellie during the last four years.
Visitation will be held at 10 – 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019 at Greenwell Funeral Home, 30 N. Washington St., Martinsville, IL. Private family graveside service at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, IL will be held at a later time.
Memorial donations may be made to Casey Health Care, 100 NE Fifteenth St., Casey, IL 62420.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Greenwell Funeral Home, Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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