Mary Ann Wilcox

PEKIN ~ Mary Ann Wilcox, 79, of Pekin, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after complications from surgery. She was born on May 9, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Elliott) Bruce. Mary Ann married Claude Hamlin "Willie" Wilcox, Jr. on October 5, 1968, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. They enjoyed 58 years together riding and going to motorcycle races. He preceded her in death on February 25, 2024 in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one son, Alvin Wilcox.

Mary Ann retired from Pekin School District 108 as a paraprofessional educator in the writing to read program at CB Smith School and later working in the Learning Center at Dirksen School. She loved her job, the children, and the people she worked with.

She was a kind soul who loved people and animals. Mary Ann was quite the conversationalist. She had the gift of being able to talk to anyone no matter the circumstances while showing true concern for them. She loved her two cats, Lady and Lanie. She would feed the squirrels, rabbits, and birds in her backyard. She also enjoyed volunteering at TAPS animal shelter. She especially enjoyed the cat room where she would spend time with each and every cat.

Mary Ann also enjoyed spending time with her friends going on bus trips around the country, shopping, playing games, movies, making cards, and lunch dates. She loved attending church at First Baptist Church in Pekin where she had made many friends.

Mary Ann loved life and always enjoyed every day. She will be missed by many, but not forgotten.

Mary Ann's memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS at https://tapsshelter.org/donate/ or American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/en/why-give

Online condolences may be shared with Mary Ann's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com