Donna Randolph

MARION - Donna J. Randolph passed away at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at her home.

She was born Saturday, June 6, 1936, in Pana, the daughter of Clark K. and Gladys M. (Alderman) Gibbon.

Donna began school in Mattoon and later in Marion, where she was a graduate of Marion High School in 1954. After graduation, she went to college at Miami of Ohio University, where she received her bachelor's degree in education. She returned back to Southern Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she received her master's degree in guidance.

Her teaching career in middle school and high school began in McLeansboro in 1958, later transferring to Johnston City and then to Herrin, where she remained until her retirement in 2001.

She was united in marriage to William J. "Bill" Randolph on June 5, 1959, in Marion, and together they shared more than 32 years of marriage until his death came Jan. 14, 1992.

She was an active member of First Church of Christ Scientist in Carbondale.

Some of her other affiliations she was active in were American Association of University Women serving as past officer, Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Williamson County Retired Teachers Association serving as membership chairman, Williamson County SIU Alumni Association and John A. Logan College Literacy Program. She was a volunteer for Marion Cultural and Civic Center and member of Marion Cultural and Civic Center Foundation.

In her spare time, she found enjoyment in traveling, gardening and being an avid sports fan by attending and following the St. Louis Cardinals. She also supported the SIU Salukis, Southern Illinois Miners, Herrin Tigers and Marion Wildcats.

Though she always kept busy, the most important part of her life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She always took special interest in all of their many activities.

Donna will be remembered as one who lived life to the fullest, enjoying every moment that was given to her.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Anne Byrn and Dr. Jim Parker, and two sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew Gibbon and Angela Randolph and William Patrick and Alicia Randolph, all of Marion; seven grandchildren, Gabe and Bailey Parker, Addy, Ashton and Avery Randolph, and Cameron and Joseph Caleb Randolph, all of Marion; two very special friends, Eva Jean Drew and Sandra Barra, both of Marion; several nieces; one nephew; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Julia Burton.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011, in Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Eddie Donelson presiding, and with a special reading by Donna's friend from her church, Susan Nahlik. Interment will be next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home at 900 N. Court St.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Marion Unit II Foundation or Little Egypt Arts Council. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence or memory, visit www.wilsonmcreynolds.com.