Ethel Lucille Jesse, 88, of Girard and Decatur, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. She was born April 9, 1937, to William Garrison and Nellie (Karrick) Garrison in rural Carlinville, Illinois. She married Edward M Jesse on April 20, 1957; and he preceded her in death on April 2, 2001.

Surviving are her children, Debra (Don) Giger, of Decatur, Edward (Kim) Jesse, of Pekin, and Donna Maybury, of Springfield; 6 grandchildren, Todd (Rebekah) Giger of Mesa, AZ, Samantha (Greg) Pelcak, of Ft Drum, NY, Trevor (Erica) Giger of Decatur, Trent (Kimi) Giger of Decatur, Sarah Jesse of Peoria, and Brayden (Dakotah) Maybury of Springfield; 6 Great-Grandchildren Audrey (George)
Barry, Cory (Adrianna) Giger, Owen Giger, McKenna Giger, Theo Pelcak, Will Pelcak; 4 Bonus Great Grandchildren, Andrew, John, and Mark YPMA and Kaitlyn Rivera; and 3 Great-Great grandchildren and next one expected in July.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings

She worked as a CNA at Pleasant Hill Village in Girard where she provided loving care for the residents for over 28 years. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking and candy making. Some of our favorites include Vegetable Soup, Sloppy Taters, Texas Sheet Cake, Divinity, and Buckeyes. She loved her family fiercely and loved family gatherings.

To all of her friends and acquaintances who provided her companionship over the years, please accept our gratitude.

Mom was determined to live life on her terms, and we came to lovingly call her a Honey Badger. Honey Badgers are determined and tenacious. They are impervious to bee stings and snake strikes. Lions, Leopards, and Hyenas often give up the fight. After all…Honey Badger, don’t give a sh*t.

Private Graveside services and a Celebration of Life will be held on April 25th in Girard, Il. She hated the cold weather and would not want anyone out in the cold.