Mary "Murk" Cripps

     Mary “Murk” Cripps, age 89, of Jonesboro, IL, went to be with the Lord on June 10, 2026. She was born May 20, 1937, in Jonesboro, the daughter of the late Ray “Squatter” Hileman and Blanche (Dillon) Hileman.

     Murk was the beloved wife of the late John W. Cripps. Married on September 17, 1955, in Corinth, MS, they shared 66 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on July 30, 2022.

     Murk was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, where she was baptized as a little girl. She spent many years alongside her husband while he served as pastor of many of our small Baptist churches.

     For those who knew Murk, they knew her personality was larger than life. Whether it was decorating every square inch of her home for Christmas, creating magical sleepovers for her grandchildren complete with forts and every snack imaginable, or concocting a game of hockey using her cane and bead necklaces with her great-grandchildren, she did everything big. She knew no limits. She was strong, loving, and a woman of great fortitude. Even those who only casually crossed paths with her were likely greeted with the term “love.”

     In her final days, she was asked if there was anything she would change about her life. After a few moments of reflection, she replied, “Not a thing. I married the best man I knew, and we built a beautiful life in Jonesboro. It was the only place I ever wanted to call home.”

     In the days leading up to her passing from this world, her prayers were often spoken aloud for all to know Jesus. Even in her final moments, her faith remained steadfast, and her greatest desire was that others would come to know the Lord she loved so dearly.

     Murk is survived by her son, Wes Cripps of Jonesboro; a daughter, Johnette (Greg) Wood of Anna; two granddaughters, Kelli Wood of Anna and Kasee (Cameron) Carstens of Tallahassee, FL; one great-grandson, Ryker Healey of Anna; two great-granddaughters, Kate and Rylee Carstens of Tallahassee, FL; one brother, Dick Hileman of Gardner, IL; sisters-in-law, Susie Hileman of Anna and Shelvy Hileman of East Cape Park, IL; along with nieces, nephews, and friends.

     Murk was preceded in death by her husband and parents; daughter, Donna Cripps Davis; a granddaughter, Jenny Davis Healey; and a grandson, Matt Davis. Brothers Don and Dan Hileman; a sister and brother-in-law, Tut and Bob Moore; sister-in-law Helen Hileman; and two nephews, Kerry Hileman and B.J. Hileman.

     Per Murk’s request, there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded.