Sylvia Carlene Barnwell

March 9, 1934 - November 25, 2014

Sylvia Carlene Barnwell, age 80, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, in the Frankfort Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of West Frankfort, IL. Carlene was born on Friday, March 9, 1934, in West Frankfort, IL, to Carl D. and Elvera (DeRossett) Sprague. She attended Marion schools and graduated from Marion High School in 1952. She married John E. Barnwell on Monday, June 9, 1952, in Vienna, IL and he survives. Carlene rarely worked outside the home, preferring instead to tend to her family’s needs and to help care for the 40 acres where they lived. She loved animals and had several pets throughout her lifetime. Her interests were numerous, and included collecting primitive antiques, reading, listening to classical and rock music and watching the latest movies on DVD. She was a good cook and had a wonderful, witty sense of humor. She was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, and was an avid fan of President John F. Kennedy. She loved all children, and was totally devoted to her own children. Also surviving Carlene are two daughters and son-in-law, Carla S. Barnwell of Evanston, IL and Maria L. Barnwell Hafford (John) of Marion, IL; cherished grandson, John M. “Jack” Hafford of Marion, IL; two step-granddaughters, Jacqui Hafford Cripps (Cory) of Carterville, IL and Lesa Hafford of Ft. Myers, FL; step great-grandson Nolan Cripps of Carterville, IL, several nephews, nieces and cousins and members of the Barnwell family; special friends, Carol Wingate and Jack and Patty Tanner, friends and neighbors; and her three cats, Sagwa, Zoe and Tucker. Carlene was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Nancy Susanne Provence and son, John David Barnwell. Carlene’s family would like to extend special appreciation to the employees and volunteers at Frankfort Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and understanding during her stay there. They made “Sylvia” feel loved. Arrangements for Sylvia Carlene Barnwell are entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. Carlene’s wishes were to be cremated and she also preferred to have no memorial service. However, memorial contributions may be made to either “Doctors Without Borders”, “Natural Resources Defense Council” or a humane society or animal rescue of donor’s choice. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL, 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.