Frances Charlene Knight, 86, of Crossville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at home with her family by her side. She was born on Wednesday, January 25, 1939, in Fairfield, Illinois, a daughter of Francis Vern and Blanche Charlene (Cox) Gidcumb. Charlene was retired having worked in healthcare as a Registered Nurse. she worked at various locations in Southeastern Illinois and Florida in hospitals, senior care, hospice and as a private sitter and caregiver in the homes of her patients.
Her love for others was evident by the care she offered to those who were hurting. Charlene enjoyed many things in life , including, quilting, reading, camping and traveling. She traveled to many places, and was delighted when she was able to travel to the Holy Land of Israel and experience God’s word come to life. Charlene was a follower of Jesus and a member of Crossville Missionary Baptist Church where she was very active in Sunday School and church activities. She previously attended Stewart Street Baptist Church in Carmi where she served as Girls in Action (GA) leader. Over the years Charlene’s faith in Jesus gave her the desire to serve others through home and foreign missions where she served others by sharing the Gospel and caring for their needs. Charlene loved volunteering for her community and served not only at church but in various other ways to help her friends and neighbors, She had served on the board of White County Senior Citizens, assisted with Helping hands Food Pantry in Crossville, served as a White County 4-H Leader, and was a charter member of the Grayville Friendship Quilt Guild.
Survivors include, her daughters, Regina ( Doug) Stricklin of Keller, TX and Rebecca (Steven) Calderman of Mt. Carmel, IL; grandchildren, Cassie Kohlhause of St. Francisville, IL; Grant Stricklin of Keller, TX, Jared (Holly) Stricklin of Keller, TX, Luci Calderman of Princeton, IN and Clark Calderman of Mt. Carmel, IL; great-granchildren, Zander, Corinne, Myla, Riley and Paxton; sister, Penny (George) Meese of Robinson, IL; sister-in-law, Celia Gidcumb of Jacksonville, FL and many nieces and nephews. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Jack Gidcumb and Bob Gidcumb. Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Crossville Missionary Baptist Church, 507 North State Street, Crossville, Illinois with Pastor Ron Fellows officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Little Wabash Cemetery in Crossville. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Following the committal service, family and friends are asked to gather in the fellowship hall of Crossville Missionary Baptist Church for a time of fellowship and celebration. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Charlene’s memory may be made to Crossville Missionary Baptist Church or the Greater Wabash Baptist Association Church Camp and will be accepted by Roberts and Cook Funeral Service who has been entrusted with the arrangements.
