Willodean Meyer, a beloved resident of Irvington, Illinois, passed away in Centralia on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on January 30, 1930, in Harrison, Arkansas.
She is the daughter of Claude Lay and Sara (Roberts) Lay. She married Lester Meyer in Ashley, IL on June 29, 1946 and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1992.
Willodean was a devoted mother to her son, Ivan Meyer of Irvington, who survives her. She also leaves behind a loving family including her cherished grandson, Matthew Meyer, also of Irvington; nephews Larry Davis and his wife Linda, Steve Davis and his wife Allison, all of Harrison, Arkansas, and Jerry Meyer and his wife Miriam of Dekalb; nieces Sandra Friend of Rogers, Arkansas, Emma Bouch and her husband Gary of Hollister, Missouri, and Karla Swanson and her husband Andy of Salisbury, North Carolina.
Willodean was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Lay and Sara (Roberts) Lay, her beloved husband Lester Meyer, her infant daughter Sharon K. Meyer, sisters Lorene Sitzler, Modene Cooper, Maxine Davis, and brother Edward Lay.
Throughout her life, Willodean was dedicated to her faith as a member of the former United Methodist Church in Irvington. She worked in various roles, including at Goldies Cafe in Irvington, the Ashley Candy Factory in Ashley, Illinois, and finally at Kas Potato Chip in Centralia, where she retired. Willodean had a passion for antiques, particularly furniture which she skillfully refinished, and she was an avid collector of Blue Willow dishes. Her leisure time was often spent quilting, planting, and tending to her cherished flowers.
To commemorate her life, a graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 am with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Centralia Humane Society in Willodean’s memory, reflecting her love and care for animals.Donations will be accepted by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, who is honored to be of service to the Meyer family. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Willodean’s gentle spirit, boundless love, and vibrant memories will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
