Mary Ann (Darnell) Cearlock, 78, of Nokomis, died on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by her family.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Ohlman Cemetery.
Ms. Cearlock was born July 2, 1942, in Pana, to Frank and Gladys (Goldsboro) Darnell. She married Larry M. Cearlock on July 5, 1959. They had three children and later divorced.
The youngest of six children, she lived her childhood years in Ohlman and attended Nokomis schools. During her career, she worked many years at the Nokomis Town Pump Bowl, Holiday Inn in Carlinville and retired from Walmart in Litchfield.
Ms. Cearlock was known for Mary Ann’s Pork BBQ, served locally, and she helped the community by making the basting sauce for the Lion’s Club and Fireman’s annual chicken fundraisers.
During her younger years, she enjoyed traveling with her companion, Carl, to tropical destinations. She also enjoyed her time at home, and always said she was “alone” but never lonely. She loved to work in her yard caring for her flowers and spending time sitting outside on her deck reading.
After her retirement, Ms. Cearlock was able to spend holidays and more time with her kids and grandkids. Her good friend and neighbor Linda Scott was always there to lend a helping hand when she needed something.
She is survived by her children, Kimberly Noyes of Hillsboro; Kristy (Brian) Hayes of Nokomis and Kelly (Jamie) Cearlock of Taylorville; grandchildren, Rachel Maretti of Litchfield, Rob (Stephanie) Noyes of Hillsboro, Katie Cole and Delaney Hayes, both of Nokomis, and Kyle and Kennedie Cearlock, both of Taylorville; two stepgranddaughters, Heather (Jason) Smith of Taylorville and Cara Noyes of Litchfield; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce Schneider of Taylorville, Janice (Bill) Schaefer of Pana and Iris Estes of Springfield, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Ms. Cearlock was preceded in death by her two brothers, Lester (Wilma) Darnell and Don (Lyla) Darnell; son-in-law, Bob Noyes; and longtime companion, Carl Johnson.
Memorials may be directed to Adopt-A-Pet in Benld or a local charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.
