Sue A. Glasco Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Sue A. Glasco, age 87, passed away peacefully at her rural Marion, IL, home with family by her side at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Born November 23, 1933, in Jonesboro, IL, Sue was the daughter of Robert Clyde (R.C.) and Katherine (Rockenmeyer) Martin. Sue graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1951. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL, and in 1955, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in speech. She was united in marriage to Gerald D. Glasco Sr. on Friday, June 15, 1956, in the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. Together, they have shared nearly 65 years of marriage. Sue put her career on hold to raise children and serve as a support to Gerald’s early farming endeavors. She loved being a farmer’s wife and stay-at-home-mom but never lost her desire to return to teaching. She taught at Marion High School in the 1960s for a few years and later substitute taught for various school districts in Southern Illinois. She earned a master’s degree in speech communications from SIU in the early 1970s, even while raising four children and keeping them involved in church, 4-H and sports activities. Sue was an educator who encouraged the joy of learning over the perfection of grades. She loved reading, studying and learning and considered making mistakes a fundamental part of the process leading to clearer understanding and greater achievement. With everyone, she was quick to forget people’s failures and eager to embrace their strengths. People feeling valued and loved was important to Sue. She supported civil rights, equal opportunity and encouraged those with difficulties in life. In short, she lived out the directive in Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much is required. As her children left home and became more independent, Sue found ways to keep life interesting and fulfilling. She taught English and speech classes at John A. Logan Community College and later worked for Rend Lake College’s Literacy Program, providing support to adult learners. During this time, she and Gerald moved into the role of supportive grandparents. From softball games to other sports events to school musicals, the Glascos did their best to keep up with their grandchildren’s active lives! Not athletic herself, Sue became an avid fan of whatever softball team her granddaughters played on or son coached. She was the best kind of fan – always faithful and supportive. Currently a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion, Sue mirrored Christ’s love through practical action and word. She looked for ways to quietly meet needs in her community and to offer support to those going through difficult times. Sue was an active member and past president of the Southern Illinois Writers Guild. In the early 2000s, Sue wrote and published a book Down on the Farm: One American Family’s Dream. This book was a compilation of columns she wrote for newspapers in the 1960s, where she shared her experiences raising children on a farm. She later began an online blog about family and farm life after retirement. She also was involved with the Illinois Chapter of the National Trail of Tears Association. She conducted extensive research on Priscilla Silkwood and did some public speaking on the “Myths and Mysteries in Cherokee Heritage.” Family was important to Sue, and she enjoyed gathering family together as often as possible. Sue was always interested in hearing about her children and grandchildren’s many interests and activities. In 2017, she said it best in her blog: Happiness for me has always been when I know my loved ones are content and enjoying what life brings them. Happiness is dwelling on the good things and being grateful. Sue is survived by her husband, Gerald, of Marion; four children, Katherine A. Cedar and husband, David, of Marion, Gerald D. (Gerry) Glasco Jr. and wife, Vickie, of Arnaudville, LA, Jean Claire (Jeannie) Eiler and husband, Rick, of Freeport, IL, and Mary Ellen Taylor and husband, Brian, of Marion; eight grandchildren, Tara Archibald and husband, Bryan, of Charleston, IL, Erin Glasco of Paris, TX, and fiancé, Jason Stultz, Leslie Thompson and husband, Mike, of Mt. Juliet, TN, Elijah Eiler of Chicago, IL, Trent Taylor of Kansas City, KS, Brianna Taylor of Hermitage, TN, Cecelie Eiler of Hermitage, TN, and Samuel Cedar of Austin, TX; four great-grandchildren, Aidan Archibald, Maddux Archibald, Payton Archibald and Caroline Simons; sister, Rosemary Parks, and husband, Phillip, of Amarillo, TX, and other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved granddaughter Geri Ann Glasco, and brother and sister-in-law, James R. and Vivian Martin. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. The visitation was on Tuesday, March 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. During the time of visitation, a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Sue’s life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral service was held Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Terry Ragain. Special vocal musical selections presented throughout the service was “Rock of Ages” performed by granddaughter, Leslie Thompson who accompanied herself on the guitar and “Amazing Grace” by Leslie Thompson with accompaniment from pianist, Terry Ragain, sang as a congregational hymn to conclude the service. Comments of memory were presented by grand daughter’s Brianna Taylor and Leslie Thompson. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were, Elijah Eiler, Trent Taylor, Michael Thompson, Bryan Archibald, Aidan Archibald, Bryce Glasco, Brian Taylor and Gerry Glasco. The family requests any memorial contributions were made to The Lighthouse Shelter of Marion, The Promise of Marion or Baptist Children’s Home of Carmi, IL. Memorial contributions were 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 call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Sue A. Glasco

November 23, 1933 - March 23, 2021