Betty J. Maddox

Marion- Betty Jean Maddox, 84, of Marion, Ill., died Thursday afternoon, June 2, 2016, at Heartland Regional Medical Center. She was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. The former Betty Henson was born July 15, 1931, in Creal Springs, Ill., to Oscar Henson and Fredith Henson Wilkins. She ushered at the old Orpheum Theater, graduated from Marion High School in 1949 and worked at Sangamo Electric before marrying Lee E. Maddox Jr. and staying home to raise two children, Teri Maddox, of Edwardsville, Ill., and Michael Maddox, of Santa Monica, Calif. Betty later worked at Wolohan Lumber, Williamson County Courthouse and Morgan medical office, where she retired at 65. Betty was active, enthusiastic and independent until her death. She loved cleaning and decorating her home, mowing and maintaining her yard, line dancing at Marion Senior Center, exercising at The Hub, getting together with family, going to garage sales, drinking coffee on her front porch and mostly spending time with her children. They meant the world to her and she meant the world to them. Betty was a 50-year member of First Baptist Church, where she served as greeter. She volunteered at a local soup kitchen in past years and was formerly involved in Marion Main Street. Betty is survived by her children; sister Virginia Grinnell, of Marion; brother Jack Wilkins, of Reno, Nev.; sister Earlene Rench, of Breese, Ill.; sister Elaine Thrasher, of St. James, Mo.; nieces and nephews; and many good friends who kept her phone line busy. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mildred King; brother Raymond Wilkins; sister Rosetta Wilkins; and special aunt Ethel Fisher. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson, followed by burial at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com