Obituaries
SHARON L. JOHNSON, 70, of Danville passed away at 10:50 am on Mon., Oct. 7, 2024, at her home.
Sharon was born Sept. 19, 1954, in Danville, daughter of Robert and Frances Hadley Gilkison.
She married Jerry Dean Johnson Aug. 19, 1972, in Indianola. He survives.
Survivors include two daughters, Jeanette (Joshua) Kinnaird of Westville and Erin (Aaron) Reid of Warrenville, S.C.; two brothers, Robert Gilkison of Cayuga and Roger (Jane) Gilkison of Georgetown; one sister, Sandi Wallace of Bloomingdale, Ind.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant sister Judy.
Sharon enjoyed making jewelry, crafting, and camping. She especially enjoyed her family and grandchildren. Sharon was always up-beat and had a good sense of humor.
Funeral services were Oct. 11 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Pastor Phil Miller officiating. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Catlin.
Memorials may be made to Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
MARK SCOTT TATE, born April 6, 1958, and passing Sept. 23, 2024, lived a life dedicated to family, community, and the occasional epic trivia battle.
Raised in Ridge Farm, Mark graduated from Ridge Farm Township High School. His heart, humor, and willingness to dive into everything from football to track made him a vital part of his community.
He was a Cub Scout, received the Good Citizenship award in grade school and the SAR Good Citizenship Award in high school. He attended Boy’s State. Most importantly, he began to form the values and friendships that would define his life.
After high school, Mark attended Illinois State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Sciences while also leading his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, as president. Family was everything to Mark, and his love for them brought him to LeRoy, where he lived for the last 33 years, near his brother Jeffrey, sister-in-law Janet, and their family.
“Uncle Mark” wasn’t just a nickname—it was an institution. Whether helping his nephews, Jerrod and Joel, or showing up for every game, school function, and big moment, he was the go-to guy for advice, a good laugh, and the occasional unsolicited trivia fact.
When his health became a concern in his later years, Jerrod and his fiancée, Samantha, returned the favor, caring for Mark with the same devotion and love he had shown them.
LeRoy didn’t just become Mark’s home—it became his extended family. He embraced the town, and the town embraced him right back. He was everywhere in the community: announcing football and basketball games, deejaying the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers, and helping with high school plays. He was the mastermind behind the July 4th fireworks music production.
One of Mark’s most cherished traditions was reading to grade school children, often captivating them with his “WOW words” and his legendary annual performance of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
In addition to his community involvement, Mark’s life was filled with music. He sang at weddings, deejayed many events, was an active member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church choir, and was never shy about grabbing the mic at karaoke night. His rich voice and sense of fun made him a memorable presence, wherever he went.
He was also a master of trivia. Mark had a way of knowing the most obscure facts, delivered with a grin and a quick wit that made losing to him bearable. Whether it was serving the community or rooting for the Chicago Bears (even on tough losses, like the one before his passing), Mark’s loyalty never wavered.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jane (Newsome) Tate and James Robert Tate; his brother Michael Dennis Tate; his brother-in-law Robert C. Norman, and his nephew William Robert Tate.
He is survived by his siblings Nancy (Robert) Norman; Mike’s wife, Debra Tate; James (Terri) Tate; Jeffrey (Janet) Tate; Kevin (Carol) Tate; Kathryn (Mike) Ingram; Merry-Beth (Dave) Agans; Julie (Greg) Norman; and John (Melissa) Tate. As “Uncle Mark,” he leaves behind a vast and loving family, including 22 nieces and nephews, 50 great-nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews. His influence on their lives is a legacy as lasting as any award or title.
As Mark himself might have said after a trivia victory, “It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about enjoying the game.” And Mark, you sure made the game of life a joy for all who played it with you.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Mark’s honor, at LeRoy United Methodist Church Nov. 2, at 3 p.m.
Hometown friends are hosting a gathering to toast Mark on Friday evening, Nov. 1 from 5-7pm at The Ridge in Ridge Farm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial can be given to Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm, Le Roy Elementary Literacy Program or LeRoy United Methodist Church.
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