AVA – Minnie B. McClure, 94, of Ava, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, in Ava, Illinois.

Minnie was born March 12, 1927, in East St. Louis, IL, to Leonard M. and Josephine May Huskey Johnson. She married Vernon N. McClure on August 23, 1951, in E. St. Louis, IL. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1996. Minnie worked at the packing house before she moved to Ava, then helped her father at the Ava Citizen, worked at Brown Shoe Factory, then finished beauty school, and opened a small ceramic shop. She was a member of Assembly of God Church, Ava. Minnie loved to watch the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke and listening to gospel music. She enjoyed painting, making rugs, and loved to spend time with her family.

Minnie is survived by her children: Vernon L. (Phyllis) McClure of Sparta, IL, Vernnea Elaine (Larry) Jones of Ava, IL, Sherry Denise Wendley of Murphysboro, IL; grandchildren: Laurie (Mike) Garrison, Larry L. Jones, Chantel McClure, Christopher Topher (Sarah) McClure, John L. (Pam) Lee, Ron D. (Dawn) Lee, Melinda Putz, Jason (Amber) Putz; sixteen great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren, and a sister, Leonarda Draper of Ava, IL

Minnie is also preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, one daughter, Debra Putz-Gossage.

Private services are being held. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907. To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net . Due to executive orders, current COVID guidelines will be followed.