Jean H. McCollum

Jean was born on October 21, 1934 to Claude and Josephine (Beiter) Hubble. She previously was married to Monroe Patton and in 1971 married James McCollum, who survives her.

She also is survived by her daughter, Linda Patton of Peoria; son Lt. Col. Steve (Haeja) McCollum of Fairview Heights, IL; two grandchildren, Melissa (Ben) Diggle of Peoria and James McCollum of Fairview Heights, IL; siblings John Hubble of Peoria, Bob (Caryl) Hubble of Hattiesburg, MS and Mary Hadley of Glenview, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents, one brother, and two sisters preceded her in death.

After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1952, Jean was employed at Caterpillar. She started in the steno pool, where she became a supervisor at age 19, then was Administrative Secretary to the treasurer at age 21. After raising her children, she returned to work and was the Medical Staff Secretary at Proctor Hospital from 1978-1983. She then freelanced for various hospitals and doctors’ offices, finally retiring from Central Illinois Dermatology in 2006.

Jean was a member of University United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School. She was a member of MENSA International since 1980, holding various local offices. She also was a member of Corn Stock Theatre and Willow Knolls Country Club, and supported the Nature Conservancy, USO, and many other environmental, wildlife, military support and medical associations. She was a past volunteer at Bartonville Mental Hospital and Longview Mental Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, a reading tutor at Northmoor School and a Cub Scout den mother. She was a past local vice president of the American Association of Medical Assistants, an executive board member of Planned Parenthood, and a past president of the Caterpillar Women’s Golf League. She was listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Finance and Business, and Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare.

Jean enjoyed her family and friends, her home and garden, the theatre, museums, travel and socializing, especially entertaining at home.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Bickford Cottage, as well as Harbor Light Hospice, for their excellent care.

Jean’s visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 at University United Methodist Church in Peoria. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or her church.

Please view Jean’s obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com