Pauline Donelson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Pauline Donelson, age 88, of Marion, IL, former long time resident of Creal Springs, IL, entered her heavenly home with her family by her bedside, at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2020, in the Angel Acres Care Center of rural Marion. She was born Edith Pauline Vinson, on Saturday, March 19, 1932, in Tunnel Hill, IL, the daughter of Daniel Clint and Ethel (Williams) Vinson. Pauline attended school at Haley Grade School and was a graduate of Vienna High School Class of 1949. She was united in marriage to John Monroe Donelson on Wednesday, November 23, 1949, in Pocahontas, AR, and together they shared nearly 63 years of marriage until his death on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. They were blessed with two sons, Johnny Dale and David. Pauline worked the cattle farm with her husband and later decided to become a cosmetologist. When she first began she operated her business from her home for 6 years. She then moved the business to Marion, naming it “Curl & Swirl”, located on West Main Street near the Junior High School, and operating there for 14 years until she decided to move the business back to her home and continued operating from her home for the next 3 years until her retirement in the mid 1980’s. In the 1990’s she became a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Marion. Her Christian faith and involvement in the many church activities was a very important part of her life. In the mid 1970’s, Pauline and her husband, John oversaw the Children’s Bus Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in Marion. The bus ministry developed into a very successful children’s ministry and was something both were proud to be a part of. After her husband John passed away, Pauline moved to Marion, and became a daily attendee of the Marion Senior Citizens Center and bus rider of the Rides Mass Transit. She enjoyed eating out with family, friends and shopping and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan watching them at Busch Stadium and from her sofa. She also was an avid collector of angels and had a large collection. Pauline loved her family and enjoyed hosting dinners and cookouts. She helped her boys with childcare of their children and couldn’t help but spoil her grandchildren. She was always interested in all of their many different activities. Pauline loved everyone and everyone loved her in return. The memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind. She will be truly missed. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny Dale and Jean Donelson of Girard, IL, and David and Shelia Donelson of Marion, IL; granddaughter, Alisha Vianello and husband, Matt of St. Louis, MO; grandson, Dale Gene Donelson and wife, Kristy of Pawnee, IL; two sisters and brother-in-law, Geraldine Doss of Marion, IL and Frances and Mel Miller of Ozark, IL; sister-in-law, Gerry Mays and husband, C.D. of Herrin, IL, a host of many beloved nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; sister, Geneva Pike and infant brother, Donald Leon Vinson. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The time of visitation was 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020, at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Pauline’s life was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were by pianist, Pamela Watts. Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were; “Victory in Jesus”, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” & “Amazing Grace”, all as congregational hymns, led by Rev. Dr. Bob Dickerson and accompanied by pianist, Pamela Watts. Interment followed next to her husband in New Salem Cemetery located south of Creal Springs, IL. Pallbearers were, Terry Watts, Matt Vianello, Jonathan Watts, Rose Donelson, Joseph Doss and Jimmy Hunt. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “First Baptist Church”. Memorial contributions were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes were also available at the funeral home. For additional information please call 618-993-2131.

Pauline Donelson

March 19, 1932 - September 6, 2020