Sharon K. Atchison

Sharon Kaye Atchison, age 79, of Marion, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.
She was born on March 25, 1946 at home in Salem, IL to Hershell Bernus and Bernice Evelyn (Strange) Denton.
Sharon was a 1962 graduate of Flora High School. After spending thirty-four years working as a federal employee, she retired and went back to school. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2008 from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.
She was united in marriage to Reverend Cecil Robert Atchison on February 14, 1981 in Marion, IL by Brother Roy Baker. Together, Sharon and Cecil shared over forty-one years of marriage until he preceded her in death on August 20, 2022.
Sharon worked for the Social Security Administration for thirty-four years. She began her career in Cleveland, TN, later moving to Memphis, TN and finally moving back to Illinois, where she worked in Harrisburg, Carbondale, and was the district manager in West Frankfort in 2002. After retiring from the Social Security Administration and earning her Bachelor's degree, Sharon became the Executive Director for The Lighthouse Shelter in Marion from 2008 until 2017.
Sharon was a member of Aldersgate Global Methodist Church of Marion, IL. After her retirement as Executive Director, she served on the Board of Directors at The Lighthouse Shelter. She also worked with the Williamson County CASA organization for ten years. Sharon served as a commissioner for the City of Marion for three terms (1987-1999) and ended her third term serving on the Finance Committee. She was a faithful pastor's wife, serving beside her husband in ministry for many years. After they began attending Aldersgate Church, Sharon served in the children's ministry.
Reading and continuing to learn were some of her passions. After her working career, she took a master gardener's course through the University of Illinois Extension. She loved to travel – Israel, the British Isles, Germany, The Netherlands, France, Alaska, Hawaii and Guatemala being some of her most memorable trips. Second only to the Lord, Sharon loved her family. She cherished the times they spent together creating many wonderful memories.
She is survived by two sons, David Blandford of Herrin, IL and Steven Blandford and wife, Amy, of Carterville, IL; five grandchildren, Cole Blandford and wife, Grey, of Carbondale, IL, Dalton Blandford of Cambria, IL, Riley Blandford of Makanda, IL, Lillian Atchison of Gainesville, FL and Eliza Atchison of Champaign, IL; three sisters, Karen Tinsman and husband, Jerry, of Flora, IL, Terri Ettleson of Flora, IL and Toni Carder and husband, Darrell, of Clay City, IL; two sisters-in-law, Wanda Denton of Puxico, MO and Connie Cook and husband, Cray, of Thompsonville, IL; and many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. Cecil Atchison; step-son, Kent Atchison; and brother, Forest Denton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Aldersgate Global Methodist Church, located at 1201 North Fair Street, Marion, IL on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be at the church at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Gabe Wanck and Pastor James Slone presiding.
Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
For those who prefer, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to "The Lighthouse Shelter." Envelopes will be available at the church during the visitation 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 plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Sharon, please visit our Tree Store.