CHARLESTON, IL – Winola Grant of Charleston, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, July 3, 2020. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorial gifts can be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and left at the visitation or Funeral Mass, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Winola was born November 22, 1924 in Mansfield, Illinois. She is the daughter of the late Ascen and Edith (Moser) Thomas. Her sister Virginia Butts and brothers Asa and Mike Thomas preceded her in death. She married William Maurice Grant on June 10, 1947, in Charleston and they were blessed with six children. She is survived by four children, Margaret Grant of St. Louis, MO; Ellen (T.J.) Holt of Houston, TX; Mark and Danny Grant both of Charleston, IL; and eight grandchildren, Jacqui (Michael) Segura; Michelle Krawczyk (Dan D’Silva); Trevor Grant; Haley Grant (fiancé Lauren Citrome); Kelley (Collin) Haga; Samantha, Ashley and Hannah Holt. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren who brightened her life, Morgaine (Charlie) Martin; Romeo, Diamond and Bronte Segura; Oliver D’Silva and Lane Haga. Her first great-great-grandchild will arrive later this year. In addition to William, she was also preceded in death by two sons, Maurice and Patrick Grant.
Winola was a graduate of Eastern State High School and Eastern Illinois Teachers College. She was a Business and Physical Education teacher in the Bellflower Illinois School District. Over the last 27 years she was a dedicated partner at Joey’s Place in Charleston.
She lived her life devoted to her family, faith and community. She served on various boards and associations such as PTA’s, Coles County Farm Bureau, St. Charles Women’s Council, Illinois Beef Auxiliary, Ladies Home Extension and was the founder and leader of the Green Side 4-H Club. It was a proud moment for Winola when in 2016 The Original Joey’s Place was inducted into the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame.
Winola’s work ethic was to be admired and her belief was to always finish whatever was started. Hospitality came naturally, along with her spirit to serve others. Her kind consideration for others did not go unnoticed and there was always an open invitation for guests at the dinner table for a wonderfully prepared meal. Winola was truly the matriarch of her family. She was devoted and dedicated to them above reproach. She gifted her family as a role model of a life well lived through faith, hard work and unconditional love. Winola will be forever lovingly remembered by her family and many friends to whom she often offered these comforting and encouraging words - “things always work out for the best.”
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