Dionne Carlson

Dionne "Dee" L. Carlson, 83, of Forsyth, IL, passed away 11:24 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2014, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. Memorial Celebration will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, will be handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Homeward Bound or Donor's Choice. Dionne was born June 24, 1931 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Marvin Lloyd "Doc" and Thelma (Yount) Burnett. She attended Decatur Public Schools, graduating from Decatur High in 1949. Dionne retired from teaching in Decatur after 32 years, 2 years at Decatur High and 24 years at MacArthur High School as a physical education teacher, where she was one of the original faculty. She also taught at Centennial and Muffley schools. One of her most memorable teaching activities was being advisor to MacArthur cheerleading squads of 1957 - 1969. Dee was a wildlife enthusiast, loved nature, bird watching, traveling, reading mystery novels, and collecting stamps. During her lifetime she was a member of World Wildlife, Audubon Society, Wilderness Sorority, National Wildlife 4 Education, Humane Society, ASPCA. She contributed to many charities for children and animals, enjoyed working in her yard and mowing grass, and debating with her friends. Dionne loved her home which was built by hand by her mom and dad. She wishes to thank her dear friends Ann, Charlotte, Joyce & Jack, Doris, Donna, Julie & Danny for their help and love. Dee was proud to have been in 49 of the 50 states and was only waiting for a land bridge to #50, Hawaii, before completing the list. She was preceded in death by her parents, a younger sister Carole Ann, and loving companion of almost 15 years Jerry E. Curtis. "
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