Rosewood Heights—Wilma Jean Dempsey, 86, passed away at 5:09 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Born Nov. 22, 1932 in Gallatin County, IL, she was a daughter of Oscar Thomas and Flora (Morehead) Pinkston.

She married Robert E. Dempsey Jan. 9, 1954 in Shawneetown, IL.  He preceded her in death Dec. 8, 1991.  She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She supported her family through gardening, cooking, and canning and sewing for them.  She was also very involved in her church, the former 1 ^st General Baptist Church, currently the 1 ^st Family Church of East Alton.

Survivors include her children, Emily (John) Wood of Worden, James (Donna) Dempsey of Dorsey and Linda Cox of Bethalto; 6 grandchildren, Amy (Patrick) Maher, Jamie (Brian) Goebel, Sarah (Luke) Johnson, Andrew Wood, Amanda (Russell) Hammons, and Tyler (Chelsi) Cox; and 17 great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers, and a grandson, Jason S. Lyerla.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 5 at Paynic Home for Funerals from 9 a.m. until services begin at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.