SESSER – Marjorie “Joan” (Sample) Earnheart, 91, of Sesser, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:21 a.m., at her daughter’s home in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on November 6, 1932, in Sesser, IL, to Mitchell and Irene (Kirkpatrick) Sample. She married Billy Earnheart on December 2, 1967. They shared just shy of 38 years together upon his death on September 19, 2005.

After a career doing secretarial work in Chicago, IL, and St Louis, MO, and at SIU Carbondale, she retired after her marriage.

Joan was very active throughout her long life. She participated in numerous years of women’s league bowling in Benton and West Frankfort. She was a huge participant in her children’s activities. She served as a Boy Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout leader and softball coach to name a few. She enjoyed painting sweatshirts, gourds, and various wood decretive items that her husband had made for her. She was also a member of the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser.

She is survived by her children, one son, Mitchell (Teresa) Earnheart of Dacula, GA; one daughter, Christa Rexing of Mt. Vernon, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Abbie) Earnheart, Matthew Earnheart, Rebecca Rexing, Rachel Rexing, and Ross Rexing; great-grandchildren, Lyla Earnheart, Elijah Earnheart, and Logan Earnheart; two brothers, Larry (Mona) Sample of Sesser and Danny (Sharon) Sample of Sesser; and two sisters-in-law, Joan Sample of Elgin, IL, and Barbara Price of Mt. Vernon; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Roy Sample and Bill Sample; one sister, Martha Hargis; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Hill and Marie Sample; and three brothers-in-law, Danny Hargis, Farrell Hill, and Karl Price.

As per her wishes, she will be cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial of the ashes will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SSM Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.