Christine Garner

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Christine Wheeler Garner, 56, of Mounds died Friday evening, Oct. 28, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 29, 1954, in Cairo, Ill., the daughter of the late Matthew Edward and Gladys Ruth Terry Wheeler.

She was a member of Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo. Mrs. Garner was employed as a telecommunicator with the Illinois State Police for 32 1/2 years and was a member of the board of directors of the Beechwood and Beech Grove Cemetery Association. She was also active in pet rescue.

She is survived by her husband, Mark K. Garner, of Mounds; one son, William Brant (Emily) Blackburn, of Salem, Ill.; her twin sister, Cathy Wheeler (Dan) Dunn of Avon, Ind.; her sister, Virginia (Gheorghe) Craciun of East Norriton, Pa.; one granddaughter, Taylor Blackburn of Salem; one stepson, Kevin Garner of Ledbetter, Ky.; one stepdaughter, Rachel Garner of Paducah, Ky.; other relatives; and many friends.

Visitation is at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo, where friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, and will continue from 9 a.m. until time for services Wednesday at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo.

Funeral services for Mrs. Garner will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mighty Rivers Regional Worship Center in Cairo, with Dr. Larry L. Potts officiating. Interment will follow at Spencer Heights Cemetery in Mounds.

Barkett Funeral Home of Cairo is in charge of arrangements.