Kathryn E. Whelchel, 88, of Machesney Park, IL, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday morning, April 26, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 17, 1933 in Corning, AR, the daughter of Everett and Hazel (Overby) Long. Kathryn was the loving wife of Clifford Whelchel. She was employed by Maria Linden for many years. Kathryn was a former member of Silver Hill Pentecostal Church and a member of First Born Ministries. Family was Kathryn’s number one priority throughout her life, and she adored spoiling her grandchildren. She was a very giving and generous person who donated too many charities. Kathryn enjoyed feeding the birds and tending to her flowers.
Kathryn is loved and missed by her children, Debra (Dennis) Ainley Clifford F. Whelchel, Jr., Sherry Anderson, Michael E. Whelchel, Dawn (Mike) Minniear; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Rhodes, Joyce (Dale) Pitman, Sue (Wade) and Carol Crosley; beloved brother, Rev. Vernon Long and wife, Louise; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford; sisters, Crystal and Louise; daughter-in-law, Patricia; and grandson, Matthew.
A special thank you to her daughter, Sherry Anderson for her loving and compassionate care she provided for Kathryn for many years.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL, 61115. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the funeral home. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tupelo Children's Mansion, PO Box 167, Tupelo, MS 38802
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Whelchel family.
