Earlene Highfield

Earlene Highfield, 74, of Anna, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. 

She was born on March 3, 1950, in Cobden, the daughter of Raymond Andrew and Alberda Ernestine Pearman Holderfield. 

She married Ray Highfield on Dec. 21, 1968, in Gadsden, Ala.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Highfield of Anna; a son, Scott (Angela) Highfield of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Jonathan (Raine) Buck of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Christian Highfield of Houston, Texas; a sister, Della (Ed) Petty of Jonesboro; a sister-in-law, Charlene Holderfield; brothers-in-law Wardell Brimm, Bob Russell, Greg Wright and Wayne Highfield; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was known to many children as Nana. 

She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Ray Highfield; her parents and siblings, Raymond Andrew Holderfield, Robert Lee Holderfield, Paul Allen Holderfield, Ernest Eugene Holderfield, Freida Lavern Simmons, Mary Ruth Brimm, Brenda Rae Russell and Sally Wright.

Earlene and Ray shared more than 55 years together. They lived and travelled all over the country following the call to minister to the people. 

A friend to everyone, Earlene lit up a room and touched countless lives. She was a brilliant musician, playing the piano and organ, along with other instruments. She was a great singer and loved directing praise and worship music.

A service to celebrate the life of Earlene Highfield was held at noon Saturday, Aug. 31, at Christ Community Church, 473 W. Harrison Rd., Murphysboro, with Pastors George Lee Glass and Rick McNeely officiating. The service was livestreamed on the Christ Community Church Facebook page. 

Memorials can be made to the Christ Community Church building fund. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.