William L. Cason's Obituary
William Lynn Cason, age 63, of Decatur, Illinois, peacefully departed this life on Friday, January 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
William was born November 9, 1962, in Brownsville TN, to Maggie Cason-Jelks. He was raised in a strong and devoted family that provided him with a solid foundation of love, discipline, and faith. At an early age, William was baptized at Hickory Grove Church in Brownsville, TN.
William began his education in Brownsville, TN, and later completed his schooling in Decatur, IL, through the Decatur Public School system. He had a love for sports, especially football and basketball, and was an avid fisherman. He spent many peaceful days fishing along the banks of Lake Decatur.
Above all else, William cherished time with his family. He enjoyed cookouts, holidays, and card games, especially a good hand of spades. Any opportunity to gather with family and friends brought him joy. As the only brother, he was doted on by his two sisters and was fiercely protected of them. William was known as a hard worker and a dependable man who willingly helped his family with odds-and-ends jobs whenever needed. He was a laborer for different factories in Decatur and Oreana and worked for Decatur Housing Authority for many years before his health deteriorated and he could no longer work.
William leaves to cherish his memory, his sons, Shavonte Cason, and Deontae Weikle, and daughter Shadiamond Cason, all of Decatur, IL. His sister and best friend Dorothy (Jerome) Bryson of Decatur, IL., and a special brother Aaron (Christine) Taylor of Decatur, IL. His nieces, Santia (Larry Butler), Contina Jelks-Curry, and Teshonda Fitzpatrick, Tamaria and Allure Johnson-Fitzpatrick, all of Decatur, IL. His nephews, David and Torrence Fitzpatrick of Decatur, IL. His great-aunt Mae Della Rainer of Brownsville, TN., and his longtime companion, Lindsey Thomas of Decatur, IL. He also leaves great-nieces, Capri, Britny, Carisa, & Erin Lamb, Shatonia & Precious Jelks, Nashe Johnson, Daliyah Fitzpatrick, Tamyra Johnson, and Skytoria Smith; great-nephews, Marshaun, Chance & Shaquille Jelks, Ontavius, Jonterius, and Shonquarius Johnson, Anthony Rhymes, and Davionne Fitzpatrick, and a host of extended family and friends.
William was preceded in death by his mom, Maggie Cason-Jelks, dad, Eldridge Taylor Sr., his sister Alberta Jelks-Fitzpatrick, his uncles, Arnold, Wayne, and Artis Cason, his aunts, Helen, Clevester and Ruby Cason.
William Lynn Cason will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Church of the Living God P.G.T. Temple #1, with Homegoing Celebration to begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Graceand Cemetery.
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