Betty Joan Presswood

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Betty Joan (Pursell) Presswood, age 77, of Imperial, Mo., formerly of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 at 2:00 a.m. in St. Anthony's Medical Center, St. Louis, Mo.

Betty was born on May 18, 1933 in Mt. Vernon, Ill., a daughter to Grayell and Roberta (Bigham) Pursell. On Nov. 7, 1952, she married Melvin "Duke" Presswood in Metropolis, Ill. and he preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 1993.

During her lifetime, Betty was employed in the offices of Carter Carburetor, St. Louis, Mo., Decca Records, Consolidated Coal and the Perry County U of I Extension, Pinckneyville, Ill. She was a member of New Home Community Church, Pinckneyville, Ill., where she taught Sunday school and worked with the children's music program. Betty was an avid reader, was a gifted and talented writer and kept many journals. Betty was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Betty is survived by one daughter, Paige (Presswood) Brewer of Imperial, Mo.; two grandchildren, Trenton and Parker Brewer of Imperial, Mo.; two sisters, Patricia (Gene) Place of Pinckneyville, Ill. and Shirley (John) Carson of Brentwood, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Phyliss McGee and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral services were held at New Hope Community Church, Pinckneyville, Ill. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Clardy officiating. Interment was in Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, Ill.

Friends called at New Hope Community Church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, Ill. was in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.