Frances Irene (Quinn) Wilkey

Frances Irene Wilkey, 102, of Mt. Vernon, IL and formerly of Belle Rive, IL passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at White Oak Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Frances was born September 7, 1920 in Belle Rive, IL the daughter of Earl and Coy (Kniffen) Quinn.  On March 21, 1938 she married Rev. Ray M. Wilkey, who preceded her in death on June 19, 2001.

As a preacher’s wife, Frances helped her husband Ray with church activities for many years.  In addition, she had worked as a clerk for Chaney’s IGA grocery store in Belle Rive, at the International Shoe Company in Mt. Vernon, IL and was an administrative assistant in housekeeping at the old Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne City, IL.

She made many friends and touched many lives over the years.  She made a lasting impact on those near to her and those in her community by sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, and by the example she set of what it means to be a Christian.  She loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Frances is survived by a son Ronald and wife Irene Wilkey of Belle Rive, IL; 4 granddaughters: Sandra (Karl) Muller of State College, PA; Lorraine (Michael) Snyder of Peachtree City, GA; Susan (Matt) Harloff of Plainfield, IN and Michelle (Bradley) Ehrlich of Fishers, IN; 11 great-grandchildren: Michelle Marie, Harrison, Cayleigh, Stephanie, Sydney, Kelsey, Tyson, Shaelyn, Lauren, Austin, and Caitlyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earl Quinn and Coy (Kniffen) Quinn, her step-father Evan Johnston, Sr.; her husband Rev. Ray M. Wilkey, infant son Billy Joe, and 3 brothers: Melvin Quinn, James Johnston, and Evan Johnston, Jr.

Graveside funeral services for Frances Irene Wilkey will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Flint-Belle Rive Cemetery in Belle Rive, IL with Pastor Steve Hamson officiating.  Those attending the service are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.  

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