Freeman Spur- SUE EDSON, age 45, of Freeman Spur, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 8:47am.
Sue was a miracle sent by God. She had the heart of an angel, always seeing the beauty in everyone. She touched many hearts during her short time on this earth. And for those she touched, our lives will never be the same with her passing. She meant the world to her family and will be dearly missed. She had a special bond with her nieces and nephews and her love for them brightened each of their lives.
Sue was born Susan Arnette Edson at the Naval Air Station of Millington, TN on June 4, 1963, the daughter of Chief Petty Officer Arnold W. and Jeanette (Restivo) Edson. Due to her fathers career, she had the privilege of living in three major cities by the time she was nine years old. She attended Castle Junior High in Newburgh, IN and graduated from Castle High School in 1982. From 1982-1991, Sue worked at SIRS in Boonville, IN. In 1991, her family moved to Southern Illinois. While here, she enjoyed her work at the Franklin-Williamson Rehabilitation Center.
Although she was born with a handicap, she never let her disability get in the way or stop her from accomplishing her dreams, which included earning numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals from the Illinois and Indiana Special Olympics. Sue was always smiling and served as an inspiration to her family, friends and co-workers. Sue loved to tease and get into innocent mischief. Sue had a deep love and respect for God and his teachings. She attended the Freeman Chapel Worship Center in Freeman Spur and the Gateway Baptist Church in Newburgh, Indiana, where she loved to worship.
Sue had a very special love and concern for all animals and she enjoyed feeding stray cats all around Southern Illinois. She especially enjoyed hearing stories of animal rescues and animals doing mischievous things. She loved classic rock music and attending fairs and concerts. She also was a dedicated RAW and Smackdown wrestling fan.
Survivors include her parents- Arnold W. and Jeanette (Restivo) Edson of Freeman Spur; two sisters- Sandy and Sherie Edson of Freeman Spur; Nieces- Mindi McCown-Dodig and Angelica Joiner of Freeman Spur; Nephews- Anthony and Andrew Beck of Carterville; Great Nieces- Casey, Carlee, and Caylea McCown of Freeman Spur and Kaitlyn and Julianne Beck of Herrin; Great-Nephews- Jeffrey McCown, Mackenzie Dodig and Collin Dodig of Freeman Spur; Aunts- Barbara Foster, Donna Dare and Doris Restivo of Freeman Spur, Pat Restivo of Johnston City, and Arlene Neuman of Minneapolis; Great Aunts- Jennie Rinchuiso of Freeman Spur and Ruby Restivo of Herrin; special cousin- Diane Robinson of Thompsonville; and other numerous beloved cousins and friends.
Sue was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents- Fern and Cottie Restivo, her paternal grandparents- Walter Edson and Ruth Baxley; her beloved Uncle Babe Restivo, Aunt Mary Orosco, Uncle Joseph Restivo, Uncle Jackie Restivo, Uncle Jerry Neuman, Aunt Lucy and Uncle Bob Roberts, and Uncle Chuck Foster;her beloved cats- Milo, Thomas, and Little Bits; and her special birds- Shaney I, II, III, and IV.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be held from 12-2pm on Sunday at the funeral home. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Freeman Chapel Worship Center in Freeman Spur. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com
--REST IN PEACE SUE--