Carolyn Joyce Burrus

DEER CREEK ~ Carolyn Joyce Burrus, 75, of Deer Creek, passed away at 8:56 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020 at her home with family by her side. She was formerly of Fulton, Missouri; Granite City, Manito, and Pekin, Illinois; and Westerville, Ohio.

Born January 26, 1945 in Chico, California to Luther Gifford and Ruby Eulis (Berry) Martin, she married Willard Burrus, Jr. on May 15, 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Surviving are one daughter, Gina (Rodney) Lynxwiler of Deer Creek; eight grandchildren, Samantha Rhodes Lindemuth of Morris, Randy (Juana) Rhodes of Pekin, Heather Rilea of Union Gap, Washington, Brittany Griffin of Washington, Ben (Mady) Lynxwiler of Glorieta, New Mexico, Brandon Lynxwiler of East Peoria, Robert Lundholm, Jr. of Morton and Bradley Lundholm of Bowling Green, Kentucky and nine great-grandchildren, Evan, Dimitri, Carsyn, Chase, Savannah, Marley, Xander, Kaedyn and Jameson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Lisa Yvonne Rhodes on August 18, 2019, four brothers and one sister.

A former member of the St. Louis Club for the Deaf, the Bloomington/Normal Deaf Club and was a member of the Illinois Association of the Deaf, where she formerly served as chair of the activities committee. She graduated from the Missouri School for the Deaf in 1965 wherein her activities included basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, Literary Society member, Kerr Hall student officer, Girl Scout, Baptist Sunday School secretary, Junior National Association of the Deaf member, and Young Womens Association member. She majored in typing and office practice.

She loved camping and playing games with her many friends. She bowled for many years, played softball and raced snowmobiles. Her later passions included wood working, painting ceramics, crocheting and horticulture.

Carolyn last worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, Missouri.

She was a member of Lifesigns Deaf Baptist Church in New Albany, Ohio.

Her graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2020 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Pastor Scott Crabtree of Lifesigns Deaf Baptist Church will officiate using both sign language and voice. A celebration of life potluck will immediately follow the service in Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to LifeSigns Deaf Baptist Church, 6484 New Albany-Condit Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com