Georgia Sweet Dirksen

Georgia was born on August 1, 1946, in Springfield, the daughter of Dean Stuart and Patricia (Harnett) Sweet. She married George Dirksen on October 19, 1968, in Springfield.

Georgia graduated from Springfield High School in 1964 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sangamon State University. She worked as a Flight Attendant for TWA, a tour guide for the State Capital Building, and for the Illinois Department of Transportation until her retirement. Georgia was very active in the local theater community for the majority of her life. She played the leading roles in numerous productions at the Springfield Muni Opera, the former Theater Center, New Salem Theater in the Park, and many other venues. She loved acting and directing theater productions, singing, and vocal performances. Her community theater career was quite impressive. She had 13 leading roles, directed four productions, and was the assistant director for two as well. She was most proud of her work in My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity, Gypsy, Hello Dolly, and Love Letters.

In addition to her expansive community theater presence, she was a local and regional voice-over personality. Georgia was a Springfield Muni Opera Trustee, Trustee Emeritus, and a former member of the Muni Board of Managers. She volunteered at the Dana Thomas House as a highly-requested docent. Her biggest joy in later life was loving and playing with her grandchildren.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Roger D. Sweet.

She is survived by her husband, George of Springfield; daughters, Patricia Dirksen and Elizabeth (Michael) DuVall, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Kaden and Hailey DuVall; and sister, Barbara (Ron) Sweet Dugan of Phoenix, AZ.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 4:00 p.m. with The Very Rev. Daniel J. Bergbower, V.F. officiating. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Muni Opera, P.O. Box 2255, Springfield, IL 62705, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.