Sammye Aikman

Sammye Lou Swango Aikman, 85, of Decatur, IL, died 1:15 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2013, at Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur, IL. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2013, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Private graveside services will be at a later date in Dodge Grove Cemetery, Mattoon, IL. Memorials may be made to the Arthur L. and Sammye L. Aikman Educational Council of 100 SIU Foundation Scholarship, Greater Decatur YMCA, or Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. Sammye was born in Welch, Craig County, Oklahoma, on November 18, 1928 the daughter of John and Mary (Wilson) Swango. She moved with her family to Coles County, IL, where she graduated from Hindsboro High School and later attended Eastern Illinois University, where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She met and married Arthur L. Aikman in 1947. In subsequent years, she lived with her husband and two sons in Loda, Onarga, Cissna Park and East Lynn, Illinois where her husband served as a teacher, Principal, and Superintendent of Schools. The family moved to Carbondale in August of 1963 where she was active in the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir in Carbondale, the SIU Women's Club and held a Life Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Memorial Hospital "cuddlers program" in the neo natal nursery. She served for approximately ten years on the Board of Equip for Equality in Illinois, an organization which advocates for the legal and civil rights of the disabled serving as the first President of the Board and serving as President for seven years. She served on several Commissions and on the City Council of Carbondale. Sammye was a registered member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She accompanied her husband, Dr. Arthur L. Aikman, to southeast Asia in 1967 and resided in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, often visiting her husband in Saigon Vietnam, where he served as Chief of Party of the Southern Illinois University Agency for International Development Contract Team. While in Malaysia, she served as President of the American Women's Association. She is survived by her sons: Lt. Col USMC (ret.) Bob and wife Susan of Norman, OK and Bill and wife Janet of Decatur, IL; grandchildren: Christina, Rob II (Major USAF) and his wife Michelle, Ryan, Christopher and his wife Jennifer; five great grandchildren; her beloved scottish terrier Angus; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur L. Aikman, and brother John D. Swango of Charleston, IL. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Jatoi and his staff, the 4th floor of St. Mary's Hospital, Imboden Creek Living Center and valued friends and neighbors on Imboden Place. "
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