Cleora Wigton Jeffress, 89, of Sturgis, passed away Friday morning, March 11, 2011, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born March 27, 1921, in New Castle, Pa., a daughter of the late James and Ora (Breast) Wigton.
Cleora had resided in Sturgis since 1991. She retired following 13 years of dedicated employment as a church secretary in Pennsylvania, and she was a homemaker.
She was a gifted musician and member of First Baptist Church in Sturgis, where she served as the church pianist for several years. Cleora enjoyed knitting, crocheting and loved her music. For several years, she was a member of the Alexanders Country and Gospel Band.
She is survived by three daughters, Susan (Dane) Russell of Homeworth, Ohio, and Lynn (Larry) Littlefield and Cindy (Bob) Dillon of Warsaw, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Chad Russell, Dorrie Sacksteder, Lynne Keepers, Lloyd Littlefield, Carolyn Littlefield, Matthew Littlefield, Richard Littlefield, Abby Humbarger and Courtney Rickel; 21 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Harold Wigton and Darrell Wigton.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service and burial of the ashes will take place at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel in Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Cleora’s memory consider First Baptist Church, 28090 Fawn River Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, or Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.