Maydene Cone Poorman

September 26, 1921 - June 5, 2017

MAYDENE CONE POORMAN Charleston, IL - Our beloved mother, granny, and friend to all she met, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Brookstone Estates of Charleston, Monday, June 5, at 1:20 A.M. Maydene was born to Amon and Stella Mae Ward on September 26, 1921, in Hutchinson Kansas. Maydene Ward married JO "Jack" Cone in St. Louis on November 27, 1941, and they had 3 sons. Maydene and JO also took in 14 foster children while their own boys were young. Granny was first widowed December 22, 1979 after 38 years of marriage. Losing JO Cone was hard and lonely. Maydene met Bill "Pop" Poorman, they were both visiting their mothers at Douglas nursing home! She was happy again when they married in 1981, yet sadly became widowed a second time when Bill passed away on January 11, 1999. Thankfully she had her children, who she loved unconditionally. The Cone sons, Charles Dennis and wife Susan of Fayetteville Arkansas, Donald Ray of Mattoon, and Timothy Ward of Mattoon, as well as Gregory Poorman and Wife Cheryl of Oklahoma City, OK, and Debbie Poorman Whitworth and Ernie of Eugene, Oregon. Her grandchildren, who often made her proud, Sara, Rachael, Angela, Niki, and Brittany, as well as Jesse, Thomas, Raven Winter, Thorne Michael and Cheney. Great grandchildren continue to arrive, Savannah, Sierra, Cody Storm, Hunter, MaryJane, Ray, Arianna, Jake, as well as Satysha, Ayeden, Lane, Will, Baby Patrick, Dakota, Keiyana, Kamari, Ronan and Scarlet. Maydene was preceded in death by 2 sisters, a brother, and her 2 youngest sons, Don Cone and Tim Cone. She is survived by a son, Charles Cone and daughter in law, Susan, Niece Frances Zurheide Husmann, a stepson, Greg Poorman, and his wife Cheryl, a step daughter, Debbie Poorman, Ernie Whitworth and all the grandchildren. In addition, longtime caregiver, Tammy Frost and daughter, Katie Frost, who supported and loved granny, along with hundreds of dear friends and extended family who brought much happiness and good company. Maydene was an entertainer and loved life! Her heart of gold that shined through made her ever more radiant and truly extraordinary. An actress, singer, tap dancer, musician, painter (canvas or pumpkins, take your pick!) comedienne, poet, with relentless, dedicated purpose, to lift others up. A few accomplishments include establishing and fundraising for the first Mattoon Welcome Wagon, managing Samuel Music Company, also acting in many plays with Mattoon Area Performing Arts Society. In the 1970’s she owned and operated Eterna Metaphysical bookstore. She taught metaphysical courses at Lakeland College and later invited groups to her home weekly for “Love Circle.” A lifelong helper for many community organizations that aligned with her passions, Maydene supported establishing Coles County Humane Society, as she adored animals. Maydene was always working on fundraising and education about the Humane Society through community outreach and performances with her dogs at local elementary schools. Maydene was a VOLUNTEER, above all, with a passion for helping others as a teacher, spiritual guide, and friend. She brought love, compassion and healing to all who knew her. Entertaining at 5 local nursing homes for many years, she always felt her work in life brought more back to her than was given. Maydene loved telling risqué jokes, playing organ and singing, while having her trained rescue pets do tricks to entertain happy residents at Douglas, Convalescent Care, OddFellows, Mattoon Health Care, and Adult Day Care. She will forever live on in us, and bring eternal joy and hope to all who knew her. The celebration of life will be held June 28th at 1 pm at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, visitation will be from noon until time of service. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Donations in her name can be made to the Coles County Humane Society. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdan.com to light a virtual candle in her honor or leave a message with her family.