Imo A. Calvert, 104, of Martinsville died on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 in her home, surrounded by her family. Imo was born Aug. 30, 1912 to Clayton and Lola (Hart) Buckner in Clark County, Ill. She married Cloyce Calvert on Nov. 8, 1942, and he preceded her in death on July 1, 1979. They were the parents of two daughters, Mary Calvert Tarr-Nash and Norma Calvert, both of Martinsville.
Imo and her husband, Cloyce, owned and operated Calvert’s Grocery in Martinsville, across from the Fairgrounds, from 1957 to 1970. She enjoyed the daily interaction with customers and greeted each one with a smile. Most of all, Imo enjoyed being a housewife, mother and grandmother.
Imo holds the distinction of being the longest-standing member of the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She joined the church in February 1926 and faithfully served in any way she could. She especially enjoyed helping with Bible Schools and making Nutty Bars. Imo believed in the power of prayer and was recognized as a “prayer warrior” for her family, church family and community. She was selfless, loving, humble, patient and kind.
Imo is survived by her two daughters, Mary (Paul Nash) and Norma of Martinsville; four grandchildren Ronda (Larry) Sims of LaPlace, Ill.; Marsha (Dan) Gross of Newburgh, Ind.; Kathy (Scott) Watson of Danville, Ill. and Jeremy (Katie) Tarr of Somerville, Tenn. Her 11 great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and until the end, she kept current with all of their daily activities. They are: Kelly (John) Cameron and Ben (Ashley) Sims; Elisa, Alex and Emily Gross; Connor, Cooper and Cameron Watson; and Kaylee, Kenley and Karsyn Tarr. Imo was looking forward to cuddling her first great-great-granddaughter (Sims) who is expected to arrive any day. She is also survived by her loving sister, Janet Staley and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Imo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five siblings and their spouses: Leon (Juanita) Buckner, Leota (Harry) Chapman, Agatha (Walter) Reed, Enid (Raymond) Misner, and Enos (Helen) Buckner; her brother-in-law Grendal Staley and son-in-law Larry Tarr.
Visitation honoring Imo will be held at the Greenwell Funeral Home in Martinsville on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. Rev. Dan Gross and Rev. Kevin Small will officiate the funeral service honoring her life on Friday, Dec. 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church with interment immediately following in the Willow Creek Cemetery adjacent to the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Willow Creek C. P. Church, 6492 E 400th Rd, Martinsville, IL 62442 or to the organization of the donor’s choice.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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