Blanche C. Philbrick

Blanche C. Philbrick, 93, of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Fairview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Du Quoin.

Blanche was a homemaker. She had also worked at Horstman's Cleaners, Turco, Dr. Jenkins Optometry Office and had been a welder in the San Francisco ship yards. She was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ in Du Quoin, the church choir and the Ladies Guild. Blanche was also a member of the Marshall Browning Hospital Auxiliary. She was an excellent seamstress, quilter and knitter. She enjoyed traveling. Blanche was a special mother figure to the Du Quoin High School Class of 1958.

She was born March 1, 1921 at Perry County, Ill., the daughter of Thomas 'Josie' and Flitcitas 'Flitca' (Keim) Johnson.

She married Richard A. Philbrick on Dec. 25, 1938 at St. Charles, Mo. and he preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 1996.

She is survived by one daughter - Judy Cook of Du Quoin, four grandchildren - Sherry Mathis and Rob of Pinckneyville, Steve Cook and Angie of Du Quoin, Kevin Bailey and Suzanne of Du Quoin, and Sgt. Joshua A. Bailey and Melanie of Vilsek, Germany, eight great grandchildren - Cortney Valier and Nigel, Shelbey Hiller and Ryan, Andrew Mathis and Shannon, Allie Cummins and Ron, Alex Mathis, Wyatt Mathis, Ruth Ann Sims and Keith, and Jaime Rohde and John, and one on the way, sister-in-law - Doris Johnson of California and seven great great grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter - Kathy Bailey, one son-in-law - Roger A. Cook, one brother - Clayton Johnson, one sister - Florence McAllister and one brother in infancy - Milford Johnson.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2014 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Rob Mathis and Rev. Dwayne Dollgener officiating.

Friends were able to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Cudgetown Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Blanche's wishes were that memorials be made to the Cudgetown Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.