Fonza Pearl McGregor, 102, of Centralia, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Fonza was a member of the Central City Baptist Church. She worked for the Dress Factory in Centralia as a seamstress for over 40 years. She enjoyed making quilts and made many May Fete dresses over the years and costumes. She was also known for her excellent cooking skills and being a Hostess to the Navy. She was very strong willed, but very loving to anyone who knew her. She loved her companion Nikki Bird. She was a lovely person and she can never be replaced.
Private Family Graveside Services for Fonza McGregor will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or to the Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the McGregor family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Fonza is survived by four children: Jean Sheils of Lucas, KS, Loretta Smith and husband Russell of Centralia, IL, Jerry Cook and wife Karen of Centralia, IL, Gary Cook and wife Kathy of Centralia; eight grandchildren: Michele Mettlen and husband Mitch, Debbie Hanson and husband Larry, Lisa Adams and husband Seth, Sherrie Kremer and husband Duane, Kristen Fletcher, Stacie LaPradd and husband Shawn, Brandon Cook and wife Tiphani, and Dylan Cook; 12 great-grandchildren: Shelby Gillespie and husband Mason, Ashley Vittorio and husband Michael, Aaron Hanson and wife Katie, Amy Hanson, Drew Adams, Jenna Kremer, Katie Kremer, Owen Kremer, Lainey Fletcher, Briley Fletcher, Danielle LaPradd and Jacob LaPradd; two great great-grandchildren: Dean Vittorio and Linley Vittorio; one brother: Earl Johnson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Fonza was born May 1, 1919 in Little Crab, TN, the daughter of Virgil Johnson and Sarah (Cravens) Johnson. She married Owensby Cook on October 25, 1936 in Fentress County, TN and he preceded her in death on February 9, 1969. She later married Clifford McGregor, Sr. on August 20, 1971 and he preceded her in death on January 13, 1993. Fonza was preceded in death by her parents: Virgil and Sarah Johnson; both husbands: Owensby Cook, and Clifford McGregor, Sr.; son-in-law: Jim Sheils; and several brothers and sisters.
