Nancy Lynn Smith-Hester's Obituary
Nancy Lynn Smith-Hester, age 63, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 in Pinckneyville, IL.
She was born October 26, 1957 in Waukegan, IL, a daughter to Calvert Leroy and Jeannette Claire (Zewe) Smith Jr.
Nancy attended Waukegan High School, graduating in 1975. She went to Viterbo University in Lacrosse WI. She later transferred to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. She got a degree in Home Economics, and early childhood education, qualifying her to be a director of a preschool. At Western, she met Douglas Hester whom she married on August 10, 1984 in Florence, Italy in the Medici Palace. This was a highlight to Nancy in her life since not many Americans have ever been able to get married there. Nancy moved down to Pinckneyville permanently in 1984. Nancy and Doug later divorced. From their marriage they had two beautiful children, Genevieve Alea and Logan Everett Hester. After her divorce she met Bill Rednour in 1998. They were together until Bill's passing in 2013.
For 25 years Nancy worked as a teacher/cook for the Montessori School of Southern Illinois, Murphysboro, IL. She was an avid member of the United Methodist Church, Pinckneyville, IL, and the Women of the Moose. During the 90's she was a Girl Scout leader, and a preschool teacher for the United Methodist Church. In the late 90's and early 2000's she was the Nursery Director for the United Methodist Church.
In Nancy's spare time she enjoyed reading mystery crime novels, swimming, cooking, baking, going to thrift stores, and spending time with her friends at the Moose Lodge in Pinckneyville. Most of all Nancy enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Nana as she was affectionately known to the grandchildren, was known to bring over presents, just because, for the grandchildren. She also loved to make Saturday morning breakfasts where the grandchildren would enjoy her hash browns. Nana also loved going on adventures to local area museums and to bring a picnic lunch for the grandchildren. The grandchildren's favorite adventures with Nana were visiting historical areas of Chester, IL, swimming at Rend Lake beach, and then having a picnic afterwards. Nancy also loved telling the grandchildren all her own adventures in her life and what life was like growing up around Chicago, IL.
Survivors include her daughter, Genevieve Alea Hester and fiancé, Stacy Hackworth both of Pinckneyville, IL; son, Logan Hester of Pinckneyville, IL; granddaughter, Willow Hester of Pinckneyville, IL; step-granddaughter, Ava Jean Hackworth of Pinckneyville, IL; step-grandson, Gabriel Hackworth of Pinckneyville, IL; best friends, Alesia Rowland-Mounce and Lisa Dunnihoo both of Pinckneyville, IL; neighbor and friend, Greg Epplin of Pinckneyville, IL; friend, Cindy Evans of Herrin, IL; ex-husband, Douglas Hester of Baton Rouge, LA.; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Genevieve (Walt) and John Emil Zewe of Waukegan, IL; father, Calvert Leroy Smith Jr. of Waukegan, IL; mother, Jeannette C. Zewe-Smith of Waukegan, IL; Steven P. Smith of New Orleans, La; brother, Timothy J. Smith of Waukegan, IL; father-in-law and mother in-law, Dr. C.E. and Linda Cawvey of Pinckneyville, IL; and boyfriend, Bill Rednour of Pinckneyville, IL.
A funeral service will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Don Meeks officiating. Interment will follow at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL. At a later date there will also be a celebration of life, held in Jackson County, IL for her extended Montessori School family.
A visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday, February 15, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Due to health concerns related to the Covid-19 virus attendance will be limited and social distancing will be observed. All attendees are asked to wear a mask.
Memorial donations may be made to the children's section of the Pinckneyville Public Library.
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