Carolyn J. Moake, age 76, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family at her side at 11:15 a.m., on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at home. She was born on Friday, May 14, 1937, in Marion, IL the daughter of Hubert and Georgia Olean (Batts) Hester. Carolyn was united in marriage to William “Bill” Moake on Tuesday, February 24, 1953, in Marion, IL and together they have shared over sixty years of marriage. She was a lifelong resident of Marion, IL and was a member of and attended Community Chapel Church of Marion, IL. Carolyn was a good cook and owned and operated the Southern Cafe on South Court St. in Marion for four years from 1988 until 1991, she always enjoyed cooking for her family and preferred eating at home. In addition to caring for the needs of her family and her home she was an avid reader and loved to write novels and books of poetry. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, oil painting, playing bingo at the K. C. Hall and planting her garden. Carolyn had many interests and the most important part of her life was her family. She enjoyed the times they shared together and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Bill Moake of Marion, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Brenda Moake of Taylorville, IL and Eddie and Trish Moake of Marion, IL; four grandchildren, Stephanie Grant of Pana, IL, Staci French and husband, Mark of Taylorville, IL, Jennifer Head and husband, Bryan of Shawneetown, IL and Sarah Moake of Marion, IL; four great grandchildren, Brett French, Eric French, Kaitlin Grant and Amaya Pierce; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ron Nalley of Clinton, OK; brother and sister-in-law, William Earl and Dorothy Hester of Great Mills, MD, friend and honorary sister, Doris Miller and husband, Bill of Vienna, IL; special friends and adopted grandchildren, Ashley and Gabe Stevens, other extended family and many other friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Hubert Hester, Jr. Arrangements for Carolyn J. Moake have been entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of the visitation will be between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Jerry Schell presiding. Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located north of Goreville, IL. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.