Leona Oliver Meador of Salem, Illinois passed away on April 6, 2022, at the Odin Health Care Center. A centenarian, she was 100 years, 4 months, and 5 days of age. Leona retired from Hollywood Candy Co., in Centralia, IL. She also was a waitress for Rich and Gladys’ Café in Ashley. She loved to garden and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, especially fried chicken and wilted lettuce. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ashley.
The family invites you to join them at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 15, 2022, to celebrate Leona’s life at graveside services, Mt. Zion Church Cemetery, E. Selville Road., Ashley, IL. There will be no public visitation. Dr. Andy DeWitt will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The family suggests memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery Association and can be left with the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, 310 N. Broadway Salem, IL 62881 (618) 548-1234, entrusted with the family’s care. Online condolence can be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
Survivors include her daughter Sharon Woodward of Salem, IL. Also, a step-daughter Karen (Steve) Winkler of Dix, IL. Leona was Grannie to Nancy Oliver of Bettendorf, Iowa, Lisa (Gordon) James of Scottsdale, AZ, Larry Woodward of Salem, IL, Christina Oliver of Rock Island, IL, and Makayla Winkler of Dix, IL. Also great-grandchildren Emily (Jared) Houston, Charles (Amanda) James, Madeline (Austin) Tracy, Heidi (Isaac Morton) Woodward, Shade Woodward, Olivia James, Zandi Woodward, Kane Halverson, Tiffany and Trevor, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, Miles Morton and Kynleigh McGuire. Also left to mourn her passing is a dear friend, Desiree Smith, Centralia, IL.
Born December 1, 1921, in Keenes, Illinois, she was the daughter of Fred D. and Mary A. (Evans) Payne. She was married to Raymond S. Oliver and he preceded her in death in 1979. She then married Ernest “Ernie” Meador and he preceded her in death in 2013. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by her son Gary R. Oliver and wife Lynn, son-in-law Roy G. Woodward, great-grandson Chad Hill, 6 brothers, and 2 sisters.
