It is with heavy hearts, and gratitude for a life filled with love, faith, and family that we celebrate the life of our dearest Mother, Gloria D. (Sizemore) Carson, a devoted Christian mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend. Gloria peacefully entered the house of our Lord in the early hours of June 20, 2026.

Gloria was born on March 17, 1941 in Yolyn, West Virginia to the late James W. Ruggles and Florence L. Fox. On January 16, 1959, Gloria married Harry M. Carson, of Pinckneyville, IL and raised their family in Washington, IL. Being raised by her grandmother, whom she affectionately referred to as "Mommy", Gloria built her own family life upon the firm foundations her Mommy set of faith, kindness, and unconditional love.

Her greatest joy and purpose were her family. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Harry M. Carson, brother Carlos "Rocky" Fox and her daughter-in-law, Sandy (Rizzo) Carson. She was a loving and devoted mother to her 4 children; Rhonda (L. Charles) Burd, Shelly (Gary) Hunt, Brian (Annette) Carson and Christina (Elliot) Curtis. Her legacy expanded to 13 grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley) Burd, Andrew (Scherie) Burd, Alaina (Nathan) Hamilton, Alyssa (Jesse) Burkhead, Mallory (Sean) Salazar, Jared (Genny) Hunt, Tylor (Moriah) Carson, Alex Carson, Kyle (Christina) Swanson, Brett (Sarah) Swanson, Scott (Jade) Swanson, Brendan Curtis, Savanna Curtis;16 great-grandchildren; sister, Jessie Morand; her longtime companion, Chuck Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Later in life, she was blessed with the companionship of Chuck Smith of Washington, IL. Their relationship brought her renewed happiness, and his presence was a gift that remained meaningful to her until the very end. Gloria found joy as an avid reader of the Bible, traveling, and enjoying time together with friends and family. She embraced the opportunities to create memories while experiencing the beauty of God's creation. Gloria previously worked at Lovin's Hallmark Shop in East Peoria for 8 ½ years, First National Bank in East Peoria for 7 years, and Fondulac Bank in East Peoria for 7 years before retiring. She was a member of Summit Church of the Nazarene in Washington.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace knowing that she has been reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and she has heard the words she faithfully lived for: "Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:21

Gloria's love, faith, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her.

Please join us to celebrate the life of our beloved Mother. Gloria's funeral service will begin at Noon on Monday, June 29th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with Pastor Gretta Nash officiating.  Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service from 10am to Noon on Monday at the funeral home.  Burial will be immediate following the funeral service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Summit Church of the Nazarene.