Carol Elaine (Pullen) Brissey, 91, of Monmouth, IL, died peacefully on September 4, 2020 at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL, following a long illness.
She was born on August 8, 1929 in Monmouth, IL, she was one of eight children born to Theodore M. Pullen and Anna Mae (Scott) Pullen. She attended Monmouth public schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1947.
Carol married Ronald Floyd Brissey on January 28, 1950 at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1952-53. He preceded her in death. They have five daughters: Susan R. Strader(Jon) of Castle Rock, Colorado, Elise Anne Dixon (David) of Dallas, Texas, Elaine Christine Williams (Richard-deceased) of Benbrook, Texas, Sallie Lynn Brissey of Galesburg, Illinois and Georgia Kay Howard (Sam) of Clifton Park, New York; two grandchildren, Andrea Michelle Williams of Grapevine, TX and Erin Elizabeth Dixon of Dallas, Texas. Siblings include Charles Ray Pullen (Helen), deceased, Verna Mae Davies (Darol) deceased, Evelyn Louise Roberson, Barbara Joan Gawthrop (Gary, deceased), Mary Francis Dennis (Walter Eugene Dennis), both deceased, Martha Jane Toland, deceased, (Don) and Linda Lou Pullen. She also has many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Carol grew up in Monmouth and reared her family there. She worked for 25 years at Maple City Furnace Company (later Maple City Steel Company). A lifelong Lutheran, Carol was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, later joining Trinity Lutheran in Galesburg in 2007. She was active in both congregations serving on various boards and committees including Parish Life, Altar Care, Quilting Circle and Prime Beef Festival. Carol was active in community organizations and was a founding member and past president of the Warren County Humane Society. During her time with the Humane Society work was begun on a new shelter and she also promoted city ordinances regarding the care of animals and prevention of animal abuse and neglect. Carol was a member of The League of Women Voters and was a key member of the committee that studied City of Monmouth corporate finances. She also served as an election monitor.
Carol also was active in Habitat for Humanity and served that organization in various capacities. After retirement, Carol volunteered with the Warren County Genealogy Society assisting with the organization and maintenance of records.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A service of remembrance will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR), First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, Trinity Lutheran Church of Galesburg, or the Warren/Knox County area charity of your choice. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Creamtory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
