M. Jeweldean Allen Obituary (1938 - 2019)

M. Jeweldean Allen, 81, of Pontiac, IL, formerly of Cullom, IL passed away at 9:50 pm on Monday, October 7, 2019 at Tjardes Healthcare Center of Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home in Cullom with Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 11, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at the Sullivan Center Cemetery in rural Cullom, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or OSF Hospice. Jewel was born June 1, 1938 in Todd County, Kentucky, the eldest daughter of Delmar William and Myrtle Glodean (McGehee) Willis. She married Richard Eugene Allen on December 22, 1957 at the Kempton United Methodist Church. He passed away on December 29, 1998. She is survived by her sons: Rick (Vicki) Allen of rural Cullom, IL and Jeff (Lori) Allen of rural Pontiac, IL; four grandchildren: Jeremy (Lisa) Allen, Rebecca (Justin) Henrichs, Thomas (Jayna) Allen and Jennifer (Paul) Tharp; four great grandchildren: Darci and Mackenzie Allen, Ryker Henrichs, and Isaiah Tharp; three siblings: Relda (Richard) Page of Pontiac, IL, Gary (Donna) Willis of Lyles, TN and Steve Willis (Patti Cusac) of Pontiac, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Jewel was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one infant son: Thomas Eugene Allen. Jewel was educated and graduated from the Kempton-Cabery High School in the Class of 1956. She worked at the Greenbriar Nursing Home in Piper City (Piper City Rehab and Living Center) as the Social Services Director for 15 years. She then went to work at Pontiac Correctional Center in the mailroom. She retired after 20 years. She enjoyed being outside, snowmobiling (younger years), gardening, reading, and antiquing- especially collecting longanberger baskets and depression glass. Most of all, Jewel loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, they were most important to her. She will be greatly missed and remembered.