Melva Jean Hall Clarida

November 28, 1937 - February 4, 2019

Melva Jean Hall Clarida, age 81 of rural Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019, in her home. She was born on Sunday, November 28, 1937, in Harrisburg, IL, the daughter of Overton and Myrtle Louise (Lane) Hall. Her family consisted of three brothers and one sister. She grew up on a farm near Harco, IL, where she returned to and lived for 40 years. In her late teens she moved to Chicago, IL and worked as a secretary for an insurance company. The opportunity came to move to Nashville, Tennessee where she began her career in the music business. She landed a job with the “Johnny Cash Show” where she became the production secretary. This opened many doors for her in the music industry. Melva later worked for Jack Johnson Talent as the VP and handled musicians such as: Charley Pride, Eddie Rabbit, Ronnie Millsap and many others. After many years in the music business she returned to her roots in Harco. In 1977, she was united in marriage on the farm to John Wayne Clarida and together they have shared 42 years. In 1989, she graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL, with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She taught at Galatia School System until 1990, when she became employed by the Illinois Youth Center of Harrisburg, IL as a teacher. She later was promoted to Principal and retired in 2015. Melva served on the Egyptian Health Department Board, Juvenile Justice Council, Balanced and Restorative Justice Board, active in the Democratic Party, SILAN – Southern Illinois Local Area Network, IL PBIS, 2nd Circuit JJC and IBARJ. She was an avid gardener, loved painting and nature and for many years refinished furniture. She is survived by her husband John Clarida, her brother Overton Hall, Jr. (Gertie) and sister Susie Whitlock (Mike), sister in law Ingrid Hall, mother in law Frances Clarida – Gulley, brother in laws Bob Clarida (Darlene), Bill Clarida, sister in law Joyce Reynolds (Steve), many nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents Overton and Myrtle Hall, brothers James and Floyd Hall and nieces and nephews. Arrangements for Melva Jean Hall Clarida were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The time of visitation and celebration of life was from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8th, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Melva’s life was presented to the family and friends. Before the funeral service family and friends gathered at Bennie’s Italian Foods for a luncheon and continued time of fellowship and support. The funeral service was at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented at the beginning of the service were; “In The Garden”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” all by Alan Jackson. The service concluded with the musical selection “Dancing In The Sky” by Dani and Lizzy. Special comments of memory were presented by Melva’s cousin Paul Miller, niece Janine Oberstadt and special friend Martha James. The eulogy was presented by Melva’s niece Debbie Ryan. Jim Oberstadt closed the service with a prayer. Interment followed in Brushy Creek Cemetery, near Harco. Pallbearers were Coda Ryan, Holly Ryan, Chris Ryan, Matt, Hall, Justin Hall and Brandon Davis. Honorary Pallbearers were Tammy Davis, Amanda Frankel, Janine Oberstadt, Ashley Hall, Mindy Hall and Jaimee Hall. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the funeral home. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.