Carolyn Anne Akridge

Carolyn Anne Akridge, 82, of Wenona, passed away on March 18, 2026. She was born on October 11, 1943, to Orrin and Joyce Howe. For the past year, Carolyn had been a resident of ARC Nursing Home in Streator, where she received loving care.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, at St. Mary's Church in Wenona with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial will be at Wenona Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Carolyn grew up in Wenona and attended Wenona Schools. She married Darvin Akridge on October 10, 1964, and together they built a life centered on family, community, and service.

She worked for several local businesses throughout her career, including Union National Bank in Streator, Goodwin Brothers in Wenona, and Wenona State Bank, where she was employed for more than 20 years. Carolyn was known for her reliability, warmth, and dedication to the people that knew her.

A devoted community member, Carolyn was active in numerous Wenona organizations, including the Junior Women’s Club, Literary Club, and Altar and Rosary Society. She also served for many years as Secretary/Treasurer of the Wenona Cemetery Association, a role she fulfilled with care and commitment.

Carolyn took great pride in her garden and flowers, embraced the life of a farm wife, and found her greatest joy in her two beloved granddaughters.

She is survived by her husband, Darvin, of Wenona; her daughter, Diane, of Washington; and her granddaughters Faith Burroughs of Des Moines, Iowa, and Lainey Burroughs of Washington, Illinois. She is also survived by her siblings David (Maureen) Howe of Montgomery, Illinois; Phyllis (Tim) O’Brien of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Janice (Randy) Carlson of Streator, Illinois; as well as her niece and nephews Erin O’Brien and daughter Madelyn, Shane (Holly) O’Brien and children CeCe and Will, and Ross (Cassie) Carlson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Kevin Akridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Wenona Fire Department.

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