Barbara Jean Elimon

Barbara Jean Elimon went to be with her Lord on October 2, 2023 at age 92. She was born May 13,1931 in Oaktown, IN, to Bertha and Kenton Sonner. She was the oldest of two brothers and five sisters. Jean grew up in Indiana and graduated from Horace Mann High School, Gary, IN, in 1949. That same year she married James Edward Elimon at Thompsonville First Baptist Church, Thompsonville IL, where she lived for the next 62 years bringing joy, laughter, and a lot of good food to her community.

Jean loved to cook and help Jim host a full house which she did often over her T’ville years. Her life was also filled by cake decorating, gardening, painting, sculpting, drawing, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, weaving, and jewelry making. For years not only did Jean act in plays, she wrote, directed and did costuming for productions. After a 30 year career working for the State of Illinois she embarked on an educational pursuit she long desired which included an Associate Degree from Rend Lake, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from SIU. In 1999 Jean celebrated a manga cum laude college graduation, a 50th year high school reunion, and a 50th wedding anniversary.

Jean treasured many things in her life; first was her faith and her commitment to her church. For years she served the Lord in many ways. Closely followed by that was her love for family. She was truly devoted to seeing that everyone in her family knew they mattered. She loved giving gifts and celebrated every family event near or far. She enjoyed traveling stateside and worldwide often taking family with her. She treasured her adventure memories which even included skydiving at 86. She will always be remembered for her zest for life.

Jean is proceeded in death by her husband, Jim Elimon, her brother, Lloyd Wakefield, and her sister, Melody Hinkle. She is survived by her children, Rick (Pat) Elimon, Robb (Debbie L.) Elimon, Ami (Dave) Sims, TK (Debbie  K.) Elimon. Jean had seven grandchildren, Marci (Robert) Benedict, Jason (Allie) Elimon, Jordan Elimon, Brittan (Justin) Sanders, Bradley (Nicole) Sims, 

AJ (Malorie) Sims, Caitlin (Dylan) Hibbs. Jean had four step-grandchildren, Stacey Henson, Mark, Mike, and Matt Wilson. She also had seventeen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday October 5, at Thompsonville First Baptist Church, Thompsonville, IL. Funeral Service at 2:00. Graveside service  Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Reverend Richard Wakefield will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Parkinson’s Research.