Carmen Marie Hampton

Born April 22, 1974 in Pekin to John H. and Claudette Evann (Martin) Sweeney, Jr., she married Michael Hampton June 27, 2009. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Claudette E. (Jonah) Hariford of Pekin; one son, Isaiah C. Hampton of South Pekin; her father, John H. Sweeney, Jr. of South Pekin; three grandchildren, Ziphan, Xaver and Zayla Hariford; one brother, John A. (Courtney) Sweeney of Pekin and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, whom she loved.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Claudette Sweeney on October 28, 2021; her grandparents, Donald and Carmen M. Merritt and two aunts, Gina Wood and Deanna Martin.

Carmen was a 1992 graduate of Pekin Community High School. She then attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and Illinois Central College in East Peoria.

She had worked at Head Start in both Manito and East Peoria. She loved the kids and they loved her and her sparkling personality. She had also worked at Methodist Hospital, various area restaurants, Walmart and Kroger’s.

As a young woman, she attended Assembly of God of Pekin. She later attended Daysprings Native American Fellowship United Methodist Church in East Peoria.

Carmen loved to bake and always wanted to work at a bakery. She also liked to sing and had a beautiful voice. She had a big smile and would laugh at the corniest jokes.

Easter was her favorite holiday with a big celebration and fall was her favorite season with everything pumpkin.

Carmen loved her children, grandchildren, her family and all babies. She was loved and will be deeply missed.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com