Mary Kathleen DeWitt

Mary Kathleen DeWitt passed peacefully to Heaven on February 4, 2021. Mary was born August 24, 1920 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Clyde and Hazel (Bowsher) McKimson, at her grandparent’s home. Her family moved to Springfield, Illinois. Mary loved dancing, singing, writing and piano, and graduated as an excellent student from Springfield H.S. As a government contractor during WWII, she bid for and bought special rare, heavy wood needed to ship ammunition to the troops. She met her Army/Air Corps husband, E. Judson DeWitt, while he was on leave in Springfield, and they were married June 21, 1945 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, by an Army Chaplain. After the war, Mary greatly supported Judd, as he completed his Bachelor’s of Science degree at Shurtleff College, in Alton, Illinois. They moved with their two children, Sharon Kaye DeWitt and Deborah Ann DeWitt to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where her son, Don Judson (Jay) was born. Mary worked as executive secretary for Liberty Oil, while Judd taught fifth grade at Lincoln School, in Mt. Vernon. She actively contributed to the community as a Girl Scout leader, President of Federated Civic Club, member of First Baptist Church and Central Christian Church, singing in the choir. The family’s adventures continued in Germany, as Judd worked for the Army schools as a guidance counselor. Mary loved travel, and the family spent eight years, traveling to every European country. She also became District Sales Manager over Germany with World Book Encyclopedia, winning several awards and recognition. After Judd retired as psychology professor at Rend Lake College, they moved to Orange Park, Florida. Mary was honored to be a member of P.E.O. and the DAR. She was gathering proof to apply to the Society of Colonial Dames, when she became ill.  She attended O.P. U. Methodist Church, and was a member of Laos Sunday School class. Mary is survived by her daughters, Sharon Starr (Lee), Debbie Wilkins (Trey), and niece Karen Vosmik (Joe); granddaughters Leeann Starr (Vince Brandys), Jennifer Starr, Tammy Sluis (Jay), Laurel Yearwood (Jason), and 10 great-grandchildren, Liam, Chris, Katie Starr, Dylan O’dwyer, Amanda O’dwyer Scott (Colby), Casey, Jane, Jack Sluis, Hayden, Hunter, Holton Yearwood. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Judd, son Jay, her parents, brother Herbert, and granddaughter Lori Rice (Bret). Her final resting place will be beside her husband at Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Plans for her life celebration are on hold, due to the Corona virus pandemic.