Carolyn Hestand

Carolyn Hestand, age 88, of Marion, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 5:35 a.m. at her home.
She was born July 6, 1936 in Hurst, IL, a daughter to Trecile Jess and Bee (McDowell) Huddleston.
During her younger years, Carolyn attended school in Hurst until her family moved to Argo, IL. They returned to Hurst, where Carolyn would graduate High School. Later in her life, she continued her education by taking courses at Elgin Community College.
She was united in marriage to Guy Hestand on August 8, 1953 in Corinth, MS and together they have shared nearly seventy-two years of marriage.
Early in her career, Carolyn worked for the postal service in Elgin. After leaving the postal service, she worked a few other jobs while raising her family. However, the majority of her working career was as a unit secretary on the neurology floor at Sherman Hospital in Elgin until she retired in 1989.
Carolyn was a Christian and a faithful prayer warrior. She devoted time every day to praying for others. In her spare time, she enjoyed going to garage sales and antiquing. She loved to travel with her husband and was particularly proud that they had reached nearly all 50 states. She treasured her many dear girlfriends and enjoyed her time attending lunches with "The Lunch Bunch." Above all, Carolyn adored her family and cherished the many family get-togethers creating beautiful memories.
She is survived by her husband, Guy Hestand of Marion; son, Douglas Jack (Cindy) Hestand of Gilberts, IL; daughters, Lisa Renee Hestand of Marion and Diane June (Jeffrey) Zoeteman of Shorewood, IL; eight grandchildren, Natalie Lipscomb, Sarah Schmidt, Nicole Lipscomb, Jacob Bernal, Amanda Hestand, Theresa Keegan, Michael Spicer and Joshua (Rebecca) Schweitzer, who Guy and Carolyn raised from infancy after the death of his mother; sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; dear friends, Terry Gump, Esther Dixon and Junie Howell; and many other extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Julie Ann Hestand.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ron Henwood presiding.
Interment will follow in Blairsville Cemetery.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "Autism Society." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn, please visit our floral store.