Mary Lou Dilworth, 71, of Galesburg, died at 12:08 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2024, in the emergency room of OSF St. Mary Medical Center surrounded by her family and loved ones.
She was born July 4, 1953, in Carbondale, Illinois, the daughter of Arvin S. Dilworth and Mary L. Clinton Dilworth.
She is survived by her children, Phaedra L. (David) Dilworth-Washington of Galesburg, T. Ramona Dilworth, Gregory Dilworth of Galesburg, and Danny Wilson of Galesburg; two grandsons whom she raised as her own, Malcolm (Shannon) Cagle of Colona and Donyae Payton of Galesburg; 22ish grandchildren, including Mary-Kae Washington; 2 foster grandchildren, and 22ish great grandchildren; siblings, Paul (Willie Ann King) Dilworth of Mobile, Alabama, Charlotte “Ann” Dilworth of Galesburg, Jeannette (Stanley “Hackey” Campbell) Moultrie of Galesburg, Rosalind “Diane” Shannon of Minnesota, and Stephen (Stephanie) Dilworth of Minnesota; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Shaundra Miller of Galesburg; and special friend, Barbara Willet-Schulze. She was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Phanessa Mallory; siblings, Louis “Boone” Dilworth, Virginia Campbell, Willa Mae Klemmer, Margaret Morrison, Roosevelt Dilworth and Darrel Dilworth; and the father of her sons, Gregory Wilson.
Mary graduated from Carbondale High School, then lived in Rock Island, Illinois where she called home for many years. She moved to Mobile, Alabama in 1970, later returning to Rock Island in the Early 80’s where she raised her family. After her return to the area, she attended Blackhawk College of Moline where she studied nursing while working at Rainbow Skipalong II Daycare. Mary was an extremely hard worker with an even kinder heart. Upon moving to Galesburg in 1997, she worked as a CNA at several local nursing homes including Seminary Manor, Heartland HealthCare, and The Kensington up until her retirement in 2015. Mary enjoyed dancing, spending time with her kids and grandbabies and generally taking care of her family. She loved having everyone together, and she was an excellent cook well known for her greens and pies. Mary was a huge fan of Prince and she also enjoyed watching Law and Order.
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. A prayer service will follow with Rev. Curt Lipe officiating. Cremation will be accorded after the visitation. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
