Judith Mae Harrelson, 78, formerly of Gilson and East Galesburg, died at 9:05 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021 at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.
Judy was born February 14, 1943 in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Warren Erving and Dorothy Marie (Carstenson) Carter. In 1961 she married Frederick R. Meinburg. He preceded her in death on July 22, 1972. She then married William H. Powell on July 31, 1972. They later divorced. She later married Joseph E. Pecharich, Jr. on January 21, 1981. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2004. On October 6, 2007 Judy married Eldred Harrelson. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2020.
Judy is survived by two daughters, Dorothea (Victor) Harrison of Davidsonville, MD and Darice (Johnny) Ennis of Bolingbrook; her step daughters, Kari (Danny) Albrecht of Tomah, WI, Theresa Hagerty of Wataga, Connie (Tom) Warsaw of Chicago, Patti (Bob) Engles of Springfield, Patti (Phil) Morrison of Galesburg, and Sylvia (Jim) Abell of Zion; two step sons, Joe Pecharich, III of Celina, OH and Tony Pecharich of Sandwich; 10 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; 10 step grandchildren; and several step great grandchildren. Judy is also survived by her brothers, Harry “Pepsi” (Mary) Carter, Mike Carter, and Jim (Pam) Carter all of Davenport, Warren Carter, II and Robert (Jackie) Carter both of Blue Grass, IA, and Ron (Penny) Carter of Calamus, IA; sisters, Cheryl (John) Channon of Riverdale, Pat (Dan) Reinhart of Kentucky, Susie (Gary) Dyer of Blue Grass, IA, and Gina Carter of Davenport, IA; an aunt, Violet Manning-Bopes of Clinton, IA; and a sister-in-law, Milly (Fred) Heskett of Davenport, IA. Along with her husbands and parents, Judy was preceded in death by a step-son, Jackson Powell in 1990; and a brother, Bill Carter in 2014.
Judy spent many years as a farm wife helping Joe at the farm and helping him as the secretary at the Amoco Chemical Plant in Gilson. She also worked at the Galesburg Sale Barn. Judy also worked at Derby Industries in Galesburg for a time. She was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. Judy was an active member of the Sorosis Club of Union and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Judy was an avid gardener enjoying tending to her vegetables and flowers.
Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing, limited occupancy, and face masks will be enforced. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Friends of Knox County Nursing Home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
