Gwen Smith

Gwen Smith

Age 80 of Wilmington, passed away Friday, December 28, 2018 at her home.

Born September 23, 1938 in Wilmington, Illinois, Gwendolyn was a daughter of Otis M. and Dorothy O. (Brown) Leasure. She was raised in Wilmington, where she attended the public schools. On October 19, 1956, Gwen married James E. Smith, Jr. and together they made their home and raised their family in Wilmington.

Gwen worked for Braun Sales for over eleven years until her retirement. She was a member of Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington; enjoyed jigsaw puzzles; word searches, plastic canvas and reading, especially the Bible. She had a love of cats and cherished visiting with friends.

Survivors include her children: James E. Smith, III (Sherry Caldwell), Cynthia Mowers and Thomas Smith, all of Wilmington; five grandchildren: Steve (Carla) Essary, Aaron (Jerrie Rose) Essary, Stephanie Hieser (Dave Southard), Dalton Smith and Ceejay Dixon; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Harold (Mary) States of Braidwood; one sister, Wilma (Jerry) Stewart of Wilmington, and one sister-in-law, Elizabeth LaPlant of DesPlaines, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; husband James on April 27, 2003; daughter, Catherine Smith on June 9, 2014; great granddaughter, MaeLee Essary; brother, Donald States and sister, Judy Griffith.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, January 4, 2019 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Saturday morning, January 5, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington, where Gwen will be laid to rest with her late husband.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Essary, Aaron Essary, Dalton Smith, Dave Southard, Terry Martin and Mike Feeney.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Gwen’s memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431

Family and friends may sign the guest book,  upload photographs or share Gwen’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Gwen-Smith

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)