Wilma Young Brown

Born March 6, 1928 in Pekin to William and Lucille (Betson) Barrick, she married Richard W. Young on June 9, 1946 in Pekin. He died July 3, 1975 in Peoria. She later married Arthur Jay Brown on November 29, 1975 in Las Vegas. He died July 7, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents also preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Richard C. (Patricia) Young of Groveland; one daughter, Cathy G. (Steve) Berchtold of Mackinaw; four step-sons, Ron Brown, Robert Brown, Ed Brown and Jay Brown, all of Arizona; four step-daughters, Jill Hitch of Florida, Michelle Dios of Georgia, Cheryl Oden and Bonnie Boatwright, both of Arizona; five grandchildren, R. Scott (Christine) Young, W. Chad Young, both of Groveland, Traci M. (Wesley) Batchelder of Oreana, Jeffrey S. (Rosanna) Berchtold of Richmond, Virginia and Toby A. Berchtold of Mackinaw; many step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, Ethan S. Young, Elizabeth A. Young, Emily C. Young, Connor B. Murphy, Alexis M. Batchelder, Lillian K. Batchelder, Bryan J. Berchtold, Michelle R. Berchtold, Ashley J. Berchtold and Taylor A. Berchtold and many step-great-grandchildren. She also leaves two cousins, Lumbert Betson of Manito and Betty Lou Owens of Arizona.

Wilma was a self-employed beautician for many years. She also previously worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in the cafeteria during World War II and at American Distilling Company in Pekin.

She dearly loved her family and had knitted blankets for all her grandchildren and for the Salvation Army. She enjoyed playing Euchre and exercised regularly at the Pekin Hospital Wellness Center. Wilma was a volunteer reader for students while living in Payson, Arizona.

She attended Grace Baptist Church in Pekin.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3,2009at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Randy Justus will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Valley Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributionsbe made to Grace Baptist Church, 1301 South 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.