Esther A. Presswood of Du Quoin

Esther A. Presswood, 100, of Du Quoin, passed away at 10:49 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 at Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Esther was a homemaker until the 1950s. She then became a marketing representative for Wonder Bread, distributing samples of the new product to households in southern Illinois. Later, she worked at Turco Manufacturing as an assembly line bagger/packer, counting nuts and bolts for their swing-set line. She was proud to accept a 25-year pin from Turco at her retirement.

Esther was a wonderful cook. She treasured spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting, word puzzles, her dogs, and her collection of hummingbird figurines. She was perceptive, had a keen memory, and was a mentor to many. She enjoyed the peaceful times relaxing on her front porch of her home on Halliday.

She graduated from Du Quoin High School in 1940.

Esther was born Feb. 10, 1922 in Du Quoin, Illinois, the daughter of Orvan Minor and Sarah Jane (Gilliam) Bramley.

She married Clyde G. Presswood on Dec. 22, 1940 at Perryville, Missouri, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 27, 1992.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane (Joseph) Kowzan of Fort Madison, Iowa; her daughter-in-law, Gail Presswood of Wildwood, Missouri; grandchildren, Eva Vande Lune of Iowa City, Iowa, Joseph E. (Kelly) Kowzan of Pella, Iowa and Sarah McManus of Villa Ridge, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Alexa (Niko) Iben, Mariah Vande Lune, Amelia Vande Lune, Greta Vande Lune, Brigitta Vande Lune, Alle Kowzan, Hailey Kowzan and Evan Kowzan; great-great-grandchildren, Rhett McManus, Parker Iben and Jaxon Iben; and beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Joe Presswood; brother, Cecil Kenneth Bramley in infancy; two sisters, Dorothy Norris and Thelma Bridges; plus brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and much loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with the Rev. Mark Norris officiating.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to Perry County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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