Sue Jeffries

Sue Jeffries

Age 72 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, September 3, 2017 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

Born October 18, 1944 in Joliet, Illinois, Margaret Suzanne was a daughter of Andrew MacLennan and Martha M. (Viol) Sutherland. She was raised in Joliet; graduated from Joliet Township High School with the Class of 1962, and went on to attend Joliet Junior College. On May 17, 1967, Sue married Charles David Jeffries, III in St. Edward’s Episcopal Church in Joliet. Together they were in business and raised their family in Wilmington.

Over the years, Sue operated Country Sampler Antiques on Baltimore Street in Wilmington, served as Treasurer for the City of Wilmington for 13 years, and drove and chauffeured the family livery. Sue was the current owner and operator of Paraphernalia Antiques, which has been an icon, as well as destination location for fine antiques, European imports and estate jewelry for over 50 years in downtown Wilmington. As a shopkeeper, Sue was a constant sponsor and supporter of the Wilmington Community. She was active with the Downtown Merchants Association, member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, was proud to have been a co-founder of Wilmington Catfish Days, and was a co-founder, lifetime member, and trustee with the Wilmington Area Historical Society.

Sue was a 20+ year member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, served on the board of directors for Waterway Days, and was past commodore of the Joliet Yacht Club. She was a former member of St. Edward’s Episcopal Church in Joliet, where she served as secretary and was an active volunteer for many years.

In her youth, Sue participated in road racing with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), enjoyed dance, and always maintained a love of animals. Over the years she raised Great Danes, as well as show cats. Sue also loved the holidays, especially Halloween, and the festive windows of her shop were an example of her enthusiasm.

Survivors include her three children: Jennifer (Dustin) Wells of Wilmington, Charles D. Jeffries, IV (Emily) of Braidwood and Ryan Jeffries of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Tyler Wells and Caroline Wells, both of Wilmington, Jessica Jeffries of Joliet and Halie Jeffries of Braidwood; one sister and brother-in-law: Diane and Henry Bale of Joliet; sister-in-law, Sharon (John) Crichton of Arizona; brother-in-law, Ken (Irene) Jeffries of Wilmington, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved dog Sassy.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles on March 1, 2013, and sister Jeannette Marie Sutherland.

Per Sue’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation and celebration of Sue’s life on Sunday, September 10, 2017 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sue’s memory to the Wilmington Area Historical Society, 114 N. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481 or to a pet shelter of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Sue’s memorial page on social media, by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

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