Sally Charlton

WASHINGTON?Sally Ann Charlton went to her eternal home Tuesday morning, August 13, 2013. She was the only child of Clifford and Ruth Howes. She is survived by James, her husband of 54 years. Sally was the mother of four sons, Jim, who unexpectedly went to heaven in 2001, David and wife Patti of Austin, TX, Jeffrey of Washington and Matthew and wife Julie of Naperville. She had nine grandchildren, Jessica Graves, Elizabeth, Travis, Megan, Zachary, Ryan, Jacob, Alyssa and Savannah Charlton. Sally was a registered nurse. She worked at Methodist Medical Center Emergency Room for several years, as school nurse for Washington School District 52 for 7 years and Coordinator of Health Services at Illinois Central College for 24 years. After completing Parish Nurse Training at OSF, she retired from ICC and was called to initiate Parish Nurse Ministry at her church, Crossroads United Methodist. She served her church family faithfully from 2001 ? 2012. Sally served in many other ministries as well, always being thankful and giving God the credit and the glory that He deserves. She truly loved her church, the pastors, the staff and congregation. When someone would comment on the beauty of the church, she always said "yes, the building is beautiful, but the people are the church and they are more beautiful." She worked closely with seniors and loved planning activities for the M and M?s ( M ature and M ethodist). She was instrumental in building the memorial garden and securing a columbarium. She initiated home communion for the homebound and helped coordinate healing services. Sally especially enjoyed alternating with the pastors for hospital and home visits. She organized Sunday morning flu clinics every year and arranged CPR and AED Training every year. Sally initiated GriefShare and Single and Parenting at Crossroads. She had a heart for people who had lost love ones. She was able to empathize with them due to the unbelievable intense pain of losing her oldest son. Years ago Sally was on the Washington Recreation Association Board of Directors for several years, serving as president for two years. She was a member of the American College Health Association and was co-founder of the Junior Panther Booster Club for District 52. For 22 consecutive years she and Jim were involved in little league baseball and biddy basketball.. Sally was an active member of the Illinois Heartland Emmaus Community. She served on many teams. The Walk to Emmaus was an unbelievable influence in her life. It was there that she began to understand the enormity of God?s Love. Her life was one of service to others from that point forward In 2010 Sally and Jimmy purchased their Honda Goldwing motorcycle trike. They went on many trips, long and short trips and enjoyed every minute, even in the heat and cold. Sally loved her husband and sons and their families with her whole heart. She always tried to be there for them when hardships arose. Sally was very appreciative for the love and respect that her family always gave her. She had absolute faith that one day her family would be reunited, and most importantly united with Jesus . Celebration of her life will be at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N. Main St., on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 6 p.m. Pastor Tom Goodell will conduct the service. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church.