Barbara Elaine Mason

Barbara Elaine Mason, age 88 of Charleston, IL peacefully passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Pastor Brad Bennington will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Mound Cemetery in Charleston, IL. The visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Barbara was born in Charleston, Illinois, on May 30, 1935, the daughter of the late George W. and Claudine A. (nee Rardin) Mason. She is survived by her sister, Judith (late Arthur) Corbin of Charleston, IL; cousin, John “Jack” Rardin of Charleston, IL. She was the beloved aunt of Deborah Gillespie and husband Chuck Burbridge, Melanie Campillo (Gillespie) and husband Matt, Susan Fregeau (Gillespie), Leicia Vandercar (Gillespie) and husband Matt, Karen Due (Corbin) and husband Adam, and Michael Corbin and wife Jena (Nacke). Barbara was also the fun-loving aunt of many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Marijayne (nee Mason) Gillespie and Georgia Anne Mason. Barbara graduated from Charleston High School as class salutatorian in 1953 and from Northern Baptist College in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree. She lived in Chicago for many years where she served as a social worker for the underprivileged and later as a teacher in a private Christian school. Barbara returned to Charleston and continued social work. Later, she worked at Eastern Illinois University while completing a master’s degree in education. Barbara was an elementary school teacher for many years and was a Certified Reading Specialist in the latter years of her career. Barbara retired in 1994 from Charleston Public Schools. Barbara had a lifelong passion for supporting children so they might thrive in academics. For example, she volunteered for many years as a mentor in an elementary classroom after her retirement. She was a life member of Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Barbara’s strong Christian faith was foundational to her life choices. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Charleston, IL. Barbara practiced a health-conscious lifestyle long before “workouts” were a social norm; starting each day with an exercise routine, taking miles-long walks, and practicing Tai Chi. She enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader, and a loving dog owner. She was an incredible aunt to her many nieces and nephews as well as their children. As a loving sister, aunt, and friend, Barbara will be greatly missed. Donations in her honor may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, https://giving.billygraham.org. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Barbara Elaine Mason

May 30, 1935 - April 15, 2024