At the age of 94, Louetta “Wu Wu” King, a well-liked resident of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away on February 16, 2024. The legacy that Louetta leaves behind is one of compassion, love, and a life that was lived to the fullest. She is known for her unwavering commitment to her family and community, as well as her exceptional service as a caseworker.
Early Life and Family Ties
It was in Eldorado, Illinois, on May 6, 1929, that Louetta Cooley was born to Dibrell and Aileen Joyner Cooley. She spent her childhood surrounded by the love and support of her family. The close relationship that she shared with her siblings, J.D. and his wife Janis Cooley, Bill Cooley, Wilburn Cooley, and Edith Bowers, was a defining characteristic of her childhood. These formative years laid the groundwork for the values of support and camaraderie that would remain central to Louetta’s life throughout her entire existence.
Years of Service with a Compassionate Heart
The role that Louetta played as a caseworker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid was a manifestation of her dedication to serving the community in which she lived. During a considerable amount of time, she devoted herself to assisting those who were in need, offering support and assistance to those who were dealing with difficult circumstances. Her compassion had an impact on the lives of a great number of people, which turned her into an indispensable member of the Harrisburg community.
Love and Loss: A Testament to Resilience
Through her marriage to Wendell “Hinckle” King, Louetta discovered a love that would last a lifetime. Up until Hinckle’s passing in 2003, their commitment to one another served as a source of both strength and companionship. The qualities of resilience that Louetta possessed shone brightly through the ups and downs of life. Her capacity to deal with loss with dignity and fortitude became an example to all those who were fortunate enough to interact with her.
Family, the Heartbeat of Louetta’s World
In Louetta’s world, her family was the most important thing in the world. Her son, Jerry King, and her daughter, Gina, along with her husband, Mike Sirach, were the things that brought her the most joy. Louetta took great pleasure in the role of a doting mother, and the accomplishments and joyful experiences of her children brought her an incalculable amount of happiness. A rich tapestry of memories that were shared was created as a result of the cherished bond that she shared with her brother J.D. and the extended family.
Louetta’s life was filled with joy and affection thanks to her grandchildren, Brent and his wife Stephanie King, Kristin and her husband Lauryn King, Blake Sirach, and Kellyn Sirach. The addition of her great-grandchildren Jake and Jack King brought an additional level of happiness to the occasions when her family got together.
Farewell to a Beloved Matriarch: Services and Remembrance
On Monday, February 19, 2024, at the chapel of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois, the community will come together to celebrate the life of Louetta through a memorial service. During the service, which will be officiated by Reverend Jordan Bird, family and friends will have the opportunity to reminisce, share stories, and find comfort in the company of one another.
Following the conclusion of the service, Louetta will be laid to rest in the Sunset Lawn Cemetery located in Harrisburg, Illinois. The community will have the opportunity to pay their respects and offer their support to the family who is grieving during the visitation period that will take place on the day of the service, which will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Honoring Louetta’s Legacy: A Scholarship Fund
Instead of sending flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to the South Eastern Illinois Community College Louetta King Scholarship Fund in honor of Louetta. The establishment of this fund will serve as a memorial to Louetta’s unwavering dedication to the field of education and her desire to encourage the goals and dreams of future generations.
As members of the community say their goodbyes to Louetta “Wu Wu” King, they do so with a sense of gratitude for a life that left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. As a way of paying tribute to her memory, may the kind of love and service that Louetta embodied throughout her life continue to motivate those who endeavor to follow in her footsteps.
