William E. Britt

William E. Britt, 74, of Jonesboro, died Friday, April 23, 2021 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. His family was with him when he passed.He was born Jan. 26, 1947 in Cairo, Illinois to Rev. S.E. and Mary Britt, the day of his mother's birthday. He married Linda Duschl June 23, 1968 at Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. They were together for 52 years.William was an elementary school teacher at Cobden School Unit District 17 for more than 30 years. He was an active member and leader in the local teacher's union and served in leadership roles for both the Illinois Education Association and National Education Association during his career. He retired in 2005 but remained active in education as both a substitute teacher and support staff in other school districts in the decade that followed.He graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1973 from the College of Education and Human Services. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served his country in combat in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. While stationed there, he also taught English to Vietnamese children.He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anna but had been homebound in worship for several years.William was preceded in death by his father, Rev. S.E. Britt in 2002 and mother Mary Britt in 2005.He is survived by his wife, Linda Britt; his two daughters and their spouses, Christie and Tim Etherton of Murphysboro, and Theresa and Caleb Hale of Jonesboro; grandchildren Liam and Hannah Hale; his mother-in-law, Betty Duschl of Jonesboro; aunt Wanda Bowen of Anna; in-laws Robert and Linda Duschl of Fort Meyers, Florida; nephew Timothy Duschl, as well as many other beloved relatives.Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28 in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anna, with Fr. Uriel Salamanca officiating. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the Alto Pass Cemetery. Visitation Service Wednesday, April 28, 2021,9:00AM-10:30AM St. Mary's Catholic Church Freeman Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Memorial/Funeral Service Wednesday, April 28, 2021,10:30AM St. Mary's Catholic Church Freeman Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Wednesday, April 28, 2021,11:30AM Alto Pass Cemetery Rt. 127 North Alto Pass, Illinois 62905