Barbara Jean (Elliott) Preston Muckelroy

IN MEMORY OF: Barbara Jean (Elliott) Preston Muckelroy Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive (Old Route 13), Murphysboro, Illinois Barbara Jean (Elliott) Preston Muckelroy, age 91, of Murphysboro, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 9:45 p.m. with her family by her side. Jean was born on July 8, 1931 in Murphysboro, a daughter of Hosea Ross and Jewel C. (Tonkins) Elliott. Jean worked for the State of Illinois as an educational specialist for nearly 40 years. Among her many accolades and accomplishments was her founding of Archway Services for Children in 1971 and remained on the board through 2020, was awarded a Certificate of appreciation from Illinois State Board of Education, served on the board for Illinois Women Administrators, and served as President of the Council for Exceptional Children. Jean was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was a lifelong member of First Christian Church of Murphysboro. Survivors include two children, Jan (Dr. Kevin) Oestmann of Herrin and Lane Preston of Carson City, NV; step-son, Norris Muckelroy of Carbondale; her grandchildren, Garrett (Lauren) Oestmann of Herrin and Jenna (Daniel) Whitehead of Marion; seven great-grandchildren, Kamden Oestmann, Mattox Cannon, Afton Anderson, Grant Anderson, Danika Whitehead, Andrew Whitehead, Graysynn Whithead; one brother, Wayne (Barbara) Elliott of Baltimore, MD; sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Elliott of Statesboro, GA; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friend, Mary Reiman. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Anita Preston Walls; a grandson, Eric Preston; and two brothers, Albert Elliott and Kent Elliott. Funeral services will be held at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home, 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, IL, on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Rick Sutton officiating. A private burial will be held in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park at a later date. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until the hour of service. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to First Christian Church. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6

Barbara Jean (Elliott) Preston Muckelroy

July 8, 1931 - October 10, 2022