Judith (Judy) Ann Parkinson

Judith (Judy) Ann Parkinson, 82, of Lewistown, IL, passed away on March 5, 2021 at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Judy was born on April 28, 1938 in Macomb, IL, the daughter of James and Berniece (Chipman) Gilkerson.  She graduated from Lewistown High School in 1955.  On October 9, 1955, Judy married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Donald Lee Parkinson, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lewistown, IL. To this union they were blessed with 3 children, Cynthia, Brian, and Derek.

Judy was a devoted wife and a wonderful and attentive mother to their 3 children.  She deeply loved her dear and caring husband, family, and friends.

Along with being a housewife, Judy was a very active parishioner with the church and served as the First Presbyterian Church treasurer for many years. Every year, she always looked forward to the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive and the church Strawberry Festival.  She loved preparing for these events with all the other church ladies and had fun interacting with all the people who attended.  When her boys were younger, she took pleasure in participating as a Cub Scout leader.  She also loved listening to good old country music, watching game shows, and cheering on her favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Judy had a very deep faith and believed in the power of prayer.  She was convinced that she was able to survive multiple bouts with cancer because of the care of her wonderful husband and because of all of the prayers from her loved ones.  Judy is now in God’s Garden and is reunited with all of her family and friends who have departed from this world before her.  She will be forever cherished in the memories of her family and friends.

Judy is survived by her husband, Donald Parkinson, and her children, Cynthia Decker of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Brian (Julie) Parkinson of Wichita, Kansas, and Derek (Eileen) Parkinson of Burlington, Wisconsin.  She was blessed with 3 grandchildren, Stephine Myers, Ryan (Krystal) Myers, and Genevieve “Evie” Parkinson, 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Berniece Gilkerson, and her sister Linda McKinley.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Condolences may be sent to 1026 N. Main Lewistown, IL 61542. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.