Mary Jean Godsil

Mary Jean Godsil, 78, of Galesburg, died at 8:59 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at home. Jean was born December 28, 1934 in Galesburg, the daughter of Robert “Paul” and Eva Mildred (Stoddard) Sparks.  She married Michael Thomas Godsil on August 14, 1954 at Corpus Christi Church.  Jean is survived by her husband, Mike of Galesburg; sons, Michael J. (Linda) of Lansing, KS, Steven A. (Debbie) of Galesburg, Brian P. (April) of Greenview, Kevin F. (Lisa) of Temple, TX, and Patrick C. (Angie) of Victoria; daughters, Annette T. Godsil, Karen M. Godsil-Patrick, Mary M. Godsil all of Galesburg, Patricia C. (Rand) Robinson of Margate, FL, Barbara E. Godsil-Rifkind  (Chris Childers) of Alton; 28 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a brother, James R. Sparks of Minnesota; sisters, Theresa Sharon Lynn (Charles) Summers, Boxborough, MA and Mary Katherine Ray of Galesburg.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert William Sparks and Robert Paul Sparks, Jr.; and one granddaughter, Crystal Grace Godsil. Jean attended George Washington High School in Los Angeles, CA and graduated from Galesburg High School.  She went on to attend Carl Sandburg College.  Jean spent her years at home caring for her family, working briefly at Burlington Truck Lines, Admirals, JC Penney’s, Applegate East, and K-Mart.  She and her family were very active at the Galesburg Railroad Museum where she was a lifetime member.  Jean was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.   Jean enjoyed traveling especially by train and went on many family vacations.  She also enjoyed gardening, yard sales, painting, and attending Naval reunions with her husband, Mike. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Rev. William Miller, I.C. will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, with the rosary at 8 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg Railroad Museum.