Wiletha Billie Cheever-Corgiat's Obituary
Wiletha “Billie Cheever" Corgiat, 96, formerly of Decatur, died Monday, Dec. 24th in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Billie was born January 16, 1911, in Sullivan, Illinois, the daughter of Clifton and Imogene Miller. A graduate of Blackburn College, she was married to Nelson Cheever until his death in 1976.In January 1977 she married Emil Corgiat and they resided in Benld, Illinois until his death in 1990. From 1993 to August 2007 she resided in New Hampshire with her daughter and son-in-law, Mallory and Chuck Vincent and most recently has been a resident at Aspen Ridge Care Center in Decatur.
In a life with service to others, Mom taught in a one-room schoolhouse, did social relief work for the W.P.A. and worked for Spencer Kellogg. In 1950 she went to work in the book department of Haines & Essicks later becoming manager, working there until 1977. While working as a book department Manager, she knew the preferences of her customers and kept them up to date on the latest releases.
As a confessing Christian she believed in putting her faith into action, whether as a church organist, accompanist to choirs and Sunday schools, teaching youth and adults, or being involved in community programs. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur and most recently, Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord, NH.
Mom may be "absent from the body" but she is surely "present with the Lord".
Her legacy of love and obedience to her Savior and compassion for her fellow man is passed on to her loved ones. Left to treasure her life are: her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Challys Cheever, of Decatur; her daughter and son-in-law, Mallory and Chuck Vincent, of Bloomington; step-son and daughter-in-law, Mick and Kathy Corgiat of Madison, AL; grandchildren, Eric and Kelly Cheever, Thomas and Pamela Cheever, Lisa and Kraig Gessaman, Joseph Cheever, Jay and Gail Corgiat, Dean and Darlene Corgiat, and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Marion Packer a longtime Decatur resident.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 1:00 pm in the First United Methodist Church of Decatur. Cremation arrangements are with Moran and Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street Decatur.
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