Carol Gum

Carol Lea Gum, 90, of Greenville, Illinois went to be with God on December 22, 2024, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. She was born August 29, 1934, to Floyd L. and Lola Marie (Johnson) McCracken at home in Greenville, Illinois. Carol was preceded in death by her brothers, Ivan McCracken and Robert L. McCracken; and her sister, Lola (McCracken) Weindel. On July 31, 1953, Carol married her high school sweetheart, Earl G. Gum, son of Elvin G. and N. Bernice (West) Gum. They were married for 66 years until Earl’s death in February, 2017. They resided in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Carbondale, Tamalco, Keyesport, DuQuoin and Greenville. She is survived by their four children, Christine (Phillip) Garner of Hillsboro, E. Gary (Marie) Gum of Las Cruces, NM, Cynthia (Dale) Myers of Maryville and Douglas Gum of DuQuoin. Grandchildren include Nicolas P. Carver, Justin H. Volkmar, Kathleen (Danny) Duncan, Chelsea (Chris) Clark and Jennifer Myers. Great-grandchildren include Jackson Pete, Mikayla, Avery, Hadley, Hunter, River, Annabelle, Emerson, Anthony and Colin.

Carol attended Greenville Schools and graduated from Greenville High School in 1951. She played piano from a young age and was active in the high school. Carol was employed at the Greenville telephone office after high school. She worked at banks in Carlyle, DuQuoin, Greenville and Mulberry Grove primarily in the bookkeeping department. Her main job was raising her four children, being involved in their activities and later, her grandchildren’s activities. She was a lifelong member of the Greenville Presbyterian Church singing in the choir and serving as an Elder and Deacon. While living in DuQuoin, she attended the DuQuoin Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Bell Choir. She was an active member of the Bond County Home Extension Tamalco Unit, Smithboro Elementary School PTA, Illinois Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary where she served in several positions and on committees. Carol could often be found at Earl’s side supporting and assisting him with the Rotary in DuQuoin, Shriner’s MaCliBo Circus Unit and other Shrine activities. You could always count on Carol to make a pie, cake or cookies when needed. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and being with her family.

Memorials in Carol’s name can be sent to the Greenville First Presbyterian Church, 501Idler Lane, Greenville, Illinois or the Shriners Hospital for Children-St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. Donations can be made at Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home during visitation on December 26, 2024 from 3-6 p.m. Funeral Service will be held December 27, 2024, starting with visitation from 10-11 am and the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.  She will be buried with her beloved dog, Sugar, in McKendree Chapel Cemetery at Keyesport, Illinois.

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Obit Provided By:
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home