Wilma Abernathy

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Wilma J. Abernathy, nee Holzum, 86, of Freeburg, IL, born July 12, 1935, in Leopold, MO, died Friday, June 17, 2022, at her residence.

Mrs. Abernathy was the owner/operator of Paris Cleaners before her retirement. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, and a former member of St. Henry’s Mothers’ Club and the Althoff Mothers’ Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Vern C. Abernathy, whom she married December 29, 1954, and who died on June 15, 2006; a daughter, Louise Ann “LuAnn” Abernathy; a son, Steve Abernathy; her parents, Leo and Minnie, nee Nenninger, Holzum; a son-in-law, Mike Bowles; three grandsons; two great-granddaughters; two brothers; and four sisters.

Surviving are eight children, Vicki Howard of Belleville, IL, Stan (Kara) Abernathy of Freeburg, IL, Cathy (Jim) Gore of Fairview Heights, IL, Patty Bowles (Greg Olson) of White Bear Lake, MN, Laurie (Mark) Ahrens of Des Pere, MO, Tim (Claudia Cortez) Abernathy of Belleville, IL, Jim (Ingrid) Abernathy of Dunedin, FL, and David Abernathy of Freeburg, IL; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sr. Leah Holzum; two sisters-in-law, Dorris Guarino and Martha Holzum; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, https://nationalpcf.org/jacksonstrong/. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL, with Fr. Von Deeke officiating.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

17 Comments on Wilma Abernathy

Mark Eros said : Guest Report Jun 30, 2022 at 4:31 PM

Dear Abernathy Family, May God's gentle love surround and uplift you, filling your mind and heart with His consoling peace With Deepest Sympathy, Mark and Margaret Eros

  • Belleville
  • IL
Darlene Phelps said : Guest Report Jun 30, 2022 at 2:21 PM

Sorry to hear about Wilma. She was a go getter! She will be greatly missed.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Barb said : Guest Report Jun 26, 2022 at 8:17 PM

Vicki, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was so kind and a wonderful seamstress. I will never forget her. I will keep your family in my prayers.

  • O'fallon
  • IL
Renee St Clair said : Guest Report Jun 22, 2022 at 7:36 PM

My deepest sympathies to all of you. Wilma was a wonderful lady I will cherish her memory. Wilma was my bingo buddy and I will miss her dearly. 💔

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Ginger and Ed Gall said : Guest Report Jun 22, 2022 at 8:35 AM

I've heard so many wonderful stories of your Mom over the past 39 years to know that she was an amazing mom, grandmother, and great grandmother! I know that she was the center of your family, and that she will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time, but hopefully all of the wonderful memories, and knowing that she is home now with her Lord and Savior and your Dad will help ease the pain of your loss. With Love, Ginger and Ed

  • Des Peres
  • MO
Dave & Bernadette Arndt said : Guest Report Jun 21, 2022 at 8:31 PM

A great Mom! So sorry for your loss.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Judy are Curt Marchand said : Guest Report Jun 21, 2022 at 7:30 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all doing this difficult time. Wilma.was a wonderful mom who love her children so very much. She will be missed. Remember all your great times with her.❤️

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Doris and Charlie Olah said : Guest Report Jun 20, 2022 at 12:34 PM

Vicki, we're so sorry for your loss. We're sending prayers for your family, and hugs for you. Your mom was well known and loved by many. RIP, Wilma Love, Doris & Charlie

  • Belleville
  • IL
Marilyn Buehlhorn said : Guest Report Jun 20, 2022 at 7:03 AM

Please accept our sincerest sympathy. Wilma was a very special lady and an exceptional mom. We met at Little Knights where the Abernathy boys played with the Buehlhorn boys. God bless you all, Marilyn and Bob Buehlhorn

  • Belleville
  • IL
Derek and Annabel said : Guest Report Jun 19, 2022 at 9:53 PM

Laurie, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Derek, Annabel and Baron

  • Kirkwood
  • MO
Pat. Timmer said : Guest Report Jun 19, 2022 at 10:06 AM

So sorry to learn of Wilma’s passing. She was a good friend for many many years. I hope all your happy memories will help you through this difficult time. God bless all of you..

  • Belleville
  • Il
Chris Bergfeld said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 9:43 PM

Prayers for the Abernathy Family!

  • Carbondale
  • Illinois
Jeff and Chris Bergfeld said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 9:41 PM

To David and all the Abernathy Family, Prayers for all the family during this sad time. Wilma was a very special lady!

  • Carbondale
  • Illinois
Christy Grissom Boswell said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 5:47 PM

My prayers to everyone in my family an grandma will be dearly missed keeping y’all in my thoughts &prayers

  • Waltonville
  • Illinois
Katie Abernathy-Holm said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 5:25 PM

Grandma, I love you.

  • Bremerton
  • WA
Mayola e Sneed said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 1:41 PM

My condolences to you and your family had the pleasure of meeting your mom very nice person.

  • Mascoutah
  • Il
Denny & Diane Giacomo said : Guest Report Jun 18, 2022 at 12:33 PM

So sorry to hear this. She was an amazing woman and friend. She will be missed by so many. May the Lord bless and keep you all in this time of sorrow.

  • Perryville
  • Mo

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