MURPHYSBORO – Athalie Josephine Hiser Brush, 91, of Murphysboro, quietly passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Manor Court in Carbondale with her family at her side.

Tillie Jo was born January 8, 1928 on the banks of Big Muddy River at Sand Ridge, the daughter of Morton and Adele Boudet Hiser. She completed her primary school years at Sand Ridge and her secondary education at Gorham Community High School where she met the love of her life and the father of their children, Melvin Brush. She acquired her provisional teacher's certificate from SINU Carbondale and taught at the Oddfellows Rural School in Fountain Bluff Township, Jackson County, Illinois. After her marriage to Melvin on November 28, 1946 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro, they raised their three sons on the family farm near Raddle.

She retired after thirty five years as a bookkeeper at the Jackson County Farm Bureau in Murphysboro. In retirement she and Melvin enjoyed years of involvement in local civic and church organizations. She served as a church organist and choir leader. She also provided music for innumerable weddings, funerals and memorial services in the community.

She leaves to mourn her passing three sons, Michael of Murphysboro, Stephen (Deanna) of Carlinville and Bradley of Anna. She also leaves grandson Jacob Brush of Edwardsville, granddaughters, Stephany (Jeff) March of Castle Rock, CO and Katelynn Brush of Anna. In addition she leaves great grandsons, Dylan, Lucas and Eli March of Castle Rock, CO. She leaves a host of nephews, nieces and cousins plus a sister-in-law, Laura Brush of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her grandson, Ryan Brush, her brothers, Albert, Ernel (Jeff) and William Hiser in addition to her brothers-in-law, Homer and John Brush. Sisters-in-law, Emma Mae Brush, Julia Hiser and Annabelle Hiser and Ruth Hiser also preceded her in death.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, November 14, 2019, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Murphysboro, with Father Leo J. Hayes and Father Jim Buerster officiating. Burial will follow at Glenn Cemetery, Jacob. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 4 pm until 7 pm Wednesday and on Thursday from 7:30 am until 9 am. Rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Memorials may be given to St. Andrew's School or Glenn Cemetery Association.