Lydia Wheaton

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Lydia Wheaton, 81, of Jonesboro died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006, at Union County Hospital.

She was born June 16, 1925, in Grand Tower, Ill., daughter of Lee Mason and Lillie Grace Smith. She and Alfred "Medad" Wheaton were married April 25, 1942, in Cape Girardeau. He died Jan. 5, 1986.

Wheaton had worked at Anna Shoe Factory and later worked for Bogard Social Services. She was a member of Oasis of Grace Church, and was involved with ministry at several prisons.

Survivors include two daughters, Rhonda Bittle of Jonesboro, Sherry Pinnon of Lick Creek, Ill.; three sons, Greg Wheaton of Marion, Ill., Randy and Rudy Wheaton of Jonesboro; a sister, Linda Hale of Bedford, Texas; a brother, Russell "Bud" Smith of Tennessee; 23 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a son, an infant daughter, a brother and a sister.

Friends may call at Hileman Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Darrell Coleson officiating. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.