Anita Jean McElroy, 86, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:25 am August 19, 2026 at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon. She was born November 19, 1939 in Uniontown, Kentucky to the late Isaac Leland and Hallie Mae (Bradford) Bayley. Anita married John L. McElroy on June 10, 1961 in Alton, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1996.
Anita is survived by her sons, John McElroy and Angelo Castillo of Trenton, New Jersey, Chris McElroy and wife, Kristine of Mount Vernon, Jeff McElroy and wife, Sonya of Mount Vernon, and Aaron McElroy and wife, Melissa of Jeffersonton, Virginia; grandchildren, Hunter McElroy, Lane McElroy, Jack McElroy, J.T. McElroy, and Nick McElroy; great-grandson, Everett McElroy; brothers, Larry Bayley and wife, Denise of House Springs, Missouri and Mike Bayley and wife, Lisa of Houston, Texas; and sister, Deborah Provinzano and husband, Frank Rick of Highland, Illinois. Anita is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, who meant the world to her.
In addition to her husband and parents, Anita was preceded in death by her brother, David Bayley; and sister, Susan Hake.
Anita loved doing crafts, shopping, and buying and selling furniture. Above all, she loved her family and building others up. Anita loved all her special coworkers at the Southern Illinois Health Clinic. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and adored her.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Reverend Chris Hottensen officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Anita’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Sesser, Illinois.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
