Jeanne Gaither

Jeanne Gaither, age 96 of Williamsville, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, surrounded by family. 

She was born in Fairfield, IL.

Jeanne married William Gaither on August 18, 1946.

She is survived by her two children, Lynne (Robert) Sagle of Williamsville, IL, Stephen (Bridgette) Gaither of Weatherford, TX; four grandchildren, Kris Salter, Kendra (Chris) Schmulbach, Brandy Gaither, and Bryan (Summer) Gaither; nine great-grandchildren, Alex (Amy) Salter, Breanne (Jeff) Grieve, Peyton Salter, Allie (Brandon) Moody, Cayde Schmulbach, Mason Schmulbach, and Georgia Gaither, Grant Gaither, and Graham Gaither; four great-great-grandchildren, Hunter Salter, Andrew Salter, Booker Moody, and MJ Salter.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her son Martin Gaither, and her parents Alfred & Mildred (Mathews) Jones.

While raising her young family, Jeanne earned her Master’s in Education, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL.

Jeanne began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in 1947, south of Fairfield, IL; she taught elementary school in Urbana, IL; and after teaching at Sherman Elementary School, for over 30 years, she happily retired giving her time to her family, friends, and her community.

She was a 50+ years Eastern Star member, a United Methodist Church member, a leader in 4-H clubs with Bill for several years, and a member of the quilting club at Methodist Church for many years.

Often, you would find Jeanne working in her flower beds and bountiful garden, sewing, baking special holiday cookies, or square dancing with Bill. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to England, Ireland, Scottland, Whales and Mexico. She was an avid reader, continued her college studies into her 80’s, served meals at Springfield Breadline, always enjoyed her feline companions, and supported many other community groups. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

Visitation services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 9am to 11am at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL. Funeral services to immediately follow, officiated by Paster Shane Sims, United Methodist Church of Williamsville, IL. 

A private burial will be held at Fancy Creek Cemetery.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this time and asks that memorial contributions in Jeanne’s memory be made to the Williamsville United Methodist Church, PO Box 79, Williamsville, IL 62693, in lieu of flowers. We invite you to share special memories of Jeanne at www.mottandhenning.com. 

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.