Sharon L Smith

Born July 15, 1948 in Peoria to James “Joe” Wright Rodgers and Marilyn (Harvey) Sisson, she married Gene P. Smith on December 23, 1975. He died December 28, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Michael Gibson; one brother, Tom Hyde and one sister, Marguerite Romero.

Surviving are one daughter, Kimmie Goodwin of Manito; one son, Carl Gibson of Pekin; five grandchildren, Terry (Ashley) Ball, Derek (Johannah) Goodwin, both of Pekin, Ashley Ball, Amber (John) Blake, both of Mexico, Missouri and April (Korban) Knight of Auxvasse, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Owen, Randy, Hanna, Henry, Charlie, Stella, Emma, Henley and Kyla and one brother, Tony (Cheri) Rodgers of Washington.

Earlier in her life, Sharon was a homemaker spending time with her children and devoting herself to volunteer work. As her children grew, she worked as the activity director for Pekin Manor and dedicated her time to home health services. She was also a manager at Arby’s in Pekin for 13 years.

Sharon checked many activities off her bucket list including white water rafting, taking a hot air balloon ride, deep sea fishing, flying a plane with the Blue Angels, a cross country motorcycle trip with her husband and attending an Elvis concert with her mother which would be the last concert he ever preformed.

In her free time, Sharon enjoyed making crafts for the Marigold Festival, playing BINGO, going on BINGO cruises and spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Molly.

A gathering celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at a later date. An inurnment of Sharon and Gene will also be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to her family for the continued care of her disabled son.

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