Catherine Stilwell

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 7, 2009, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation 4 to 6:30 P.M., Friday, February 6, 2009, at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur, IL.Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Music Program.Catherine was born October 4, 1915, in Grayville, IL, the daughter of Glenn B. and Lavinia (Barnes) Williams. On June 23, 1941, she married Kenneth Stilwell on the lawn of Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He preceded her in death on January 19, 2003.Catherine earned an associates degree from William Woods College in Fulton, MO, and then a B.A. in music education from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She studied piano in Paris, France, one year while in college and served as a counselor at the Interlochen Music Camp in Michigan. Catherine taught music in the public schools of Grayville and Carmi, IL, before her marriage as well as giving private piano lessons. Later she taught music in the Mt. Zion, IL, public schools and gave private piano lessons in the preparatory department of Millikin University in Decatur.She was a deacon and elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, where she sang in the choir for 50 years.She is survived by her son Glenn Bill Stilwell of Carbondale, IL; daughter Carolyn (David) Unger of Evansville, IN; sister-in-law Jean Stilwell of Decatur, IL; cousins Margaret Schreiber of Evansville, IN and Mary (Moore) Irvin of Mt. Vernon, IN; 13 nieces and nephews who were very special to her; and many students and dear friends she loved.She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.The family would like to express sincere thanks to many special friends who have helped Catherine.Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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