Ms. Earlene Mack

Earlene “Earle The Pearl” McCrady Mack entered this world to the late Samuel McCrady Sr. and Annie Ewing McCrady on August 28, 1953 in Alton Illinois. She was the 4th child of six siblings. Surrounded by siblings and close cousins, Earlene learned very early the importance of family values. She enjoyed time with her mom and siblings learning the word of God twice a week from her father’s teachings. She confessed a Hope in Christ at a very early age becoming a lifelong member of Morning Star M. B. Church. She joined the choir and shined as a soloist, became the Church Clerk, Church Secretary and also worked with the youth. Earlene was a student of Alton Public School System where she first met very special friends, Vivian Mack and Pat King. They became known as the 3 Amigos. Together they formed a girls singing group and would perform in talent shows. Hanging out she would soon meet who she called her Dear friend, Betty Hughes who fit right in with the Amigos, growing a lifelong bond. In 1973 Earlene graduated from Alton Senior High School. She pursued higher education and began studies in Psychology at Lewis and Clark Community College. During summer breaks Earlene would spend time planning the family’s yearly traditional family reunions. A roll she loved and took very seriously. She was responsible for handling all the details of each event. A real special family jewel. Earlene would find love and give birth to two children; son, Derek Gene who she nickname “Duke” inspired by a movie she loved honoring the song, Duke of Earle and daughter, Deanna Genese who she nickname “Supreme” honoring the song I’m coming out which played when finding out she was having a daughter. Earlene put her very best into motherhood, making her and her children matching outfits, hosting holiday parties, etc. During her free time Earlene enjoyed going to bingo with her favorite aunt, Esther and close cousin, Charlene. Earlene enjoyed traveling to Atlanta spending time with her daughter and grandchildren whom she had a special bond with. After living there for a while she returned back home to care for her ailing loved ones, A job well done. Now home Earlene did her best to keep busy going to church where her baby brother was now Pastor and watching her oldest grandson Dre, play the drums. She enjoyed receiving home cooked meals from her son, Derek and granddaughter, DaRionna (Tootie), random visits from her daughter and grandchildren, face-timing her great granddaughter Divine who she calls (Beauty), going on outings with friends, Betty, Vivian and Pat (3 Amigos) and so much more. Earlene had a favorite saying, “When The Love Shows Up”. In January Earlene’s health started to decline. She told her daughter she would fight as long as she promised not to leave her. Her daughter stayed. The fight began with love and support of her close family, friends along with members of the church Earlene started to get well. She celebrated her 70th birthday with bliss. On Tuesday December 26, 2023 Earlene took her final breath and departed this earthly life. Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louella Clanton; brothers, Samuel McCrady Jr, Edward McCrady, and William “Billy” McCrady Sr. Her memories will live on through her son, Derek (Sarah) McCrady; daughter, Deanna (Eaton) Mack; 5 grandchildren, D’Andre, Dariyan, Da’Rionna “Tootie”, Da’Treon “Butcher”, Cedric Jr “Pooter”; 7 great grandchildren, Tashaun, Kendrick, Taylor, Karter, Taliyah, Deonta, and Divine Lee; brother, Darrell (Sherry) McCrady Sr.; godson, Dennis Hughes; 3 special friends, Vivian Mack, Pat King and Betty Hughes. She will be truly missed but her memories will live on through her close family and friends.

Ms. Earlene Mack

August 28, 1953 - December 26, 2023