Paula Jennings

Paula Raye Jennings, 72, of Mattoon, IL passed away at 3:55 A.M. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Illini Heritage Nursing and Rehab.

Private family service will be held at a later date.  The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Paula was born on September 7, 1949 in Tuscola, IL.  She was a daughter of Louie and Velma Pauline (McNary) Hilligoss.  She married Bill Ray Jennings on August 22, 1986.  He passed away in 2008.

She is survived by one daughter, Christy Franklin and her husband Doug of Tolono, IL, three step children, Troy Jennings and his wife Tami of Mattoon, IL, Tracy Himes and her husband Mel of Mattoon, IL and Tonya Jennings of Mattoon, IL, two grandchildren, Kelsea Allen and her fiancé Daniel Gress of St. Louis, MO and Katelyn Allen of Tolono, IL, six step-grandchildren, Zach Jennings and his wife Bree,  Karsha Jennings, Ben Himes, Jordan Himes, Shelby and Dalton and 2 step-great grandchildren Zander and Zayden Jennings all of Mattoon, IL, and two brothers, Rex Hilligoss and his wife Barbara of Mattoon, IL and John Hilligoss of Decatur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Jennings and one sister, Saundra Davis.

Paula was a 1967 graduate of Mattoon High School and later graduated with her associates degree from Lake Land College.

Paula worked as a bank teller at Arcola First National Bank, First Mid Bank in Mattoon, she also later worked as a secretary for The Upchurch Group in Mattoon and later as a claims representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield

Paula was an avid bowler at the Embassy Lanes and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave, Fl. 17,Chicago, IL 60601