Fern R. Sechrest, 87, of Mt. Vernon died 5 p.m. April 4, 2006, at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

She retired from the dietary department at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Granite city.

Mrs. Sechrest was born April 16, 1918, in Jefferson County to Charles Henry and Rebecca (Wilson) Smith.

She married Hal D. Sechrest Nov. 24, 1936, in Texico; he survives.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. The Rev. Gary Beal Jr., grandson of Fern Sechrest, will officiate. Burial will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery in Jefferson County. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Mrs. Sechrest is survived by her husband, Hal D. Sechrest of Mt. Vernon; three daughters, Velma Beal and husband Gary of Granite City, Minnie Strahle and husband Ralph of Mt. Zion and Barbara Lane and husband Paul of Milan; two brothers, Leonard Smith of Mt. Vernon and George Smith and wife Evelyn of Benton; a sister, Katie Halterman of Iuka; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two twin great-great-grandsons; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dorvin Sechrest; two brothers, Adra Smith and Gale Smith; and three sisters, Eva Weems, Jennie Dalton and Mammie.

Mrs. Sechrest was a member of Pentecostal Church of God in Bethalto.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 or visit ww.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information.

Source: Register-News
Date: April 7, 2006
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman