Helen E. Essex, age 90, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at 12:56 p.m. Friday, December 20, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center surrounded by her family.
Helen Ella was born May 2, 1934, in Galesburg, the daughter of Darwin and Lois (Wilson) Nesbit. She married Marvin D. “Sonny” Essex on May 1, 1955, in London Mills. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2013.
Surviving are two daughters, Lorraine (Bill) Stone of Galesburg and Michele Peacock of Schaumburg; five grandchildren, Jeremy Peacock of San Diego, California, Craig Stone of Galesburg, Krystie Stone of Galesburg, Amber Peacock of Peoria, and Shawna (Mike) Rottman of Elgin; one stepgranddaughter, Denise (Mike) Kruzan of Pekin; one great-grandson, Cameron Stone of Galesburg; a sister-in-law, Norma Nesbit of Galesburg; a brother-in-law, Gilbert Lewis of Maquon; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Larry Nesbit, Lois Ann (Glenn) Heckart, Fred Nesbit, Darla Ray and Linda Lewis; and two nieces, Lisa (Nesbit) Carnes and Roxanne (Heckart) Lingenfelter.
Helen was raised in the Altona area and attended ROVA schools until her family moved to London Mills where she graduated from Valley High School in 1952. She first worked at Burlington Truck Lines and then at various jobs including Gates Rubber Co. in the data processing department, the former Ida Ann Dress Shop and Laurel Greens Golf Course.
She was a longtime member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church.
Helen was a sweet quiet soul who loved to read, country music especially George Strait, family picnics and celebrations, dressing up with all her “bling” and new shoes, and anything that sparkled and shined.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. Rev. Dave Mustain officiating. Interment will be in the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville United Methodist Church or the Friends of the Knox County Nursing Home. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
