Sharon L. Slusser Folkerts, 77, of Athens, died on Friday, May 9, 2025, at her home.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Mott and Henning Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Mrs. Folkerts was born on April 21, 1948, in East Peoria, the daughter of Frances G. Allen Slusser and William C. Slusser. She grew up in Litchfield, before she and her family moved to Mt. Olive in 1958. She graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1966 and married her high school sweetheart Robert C. Folkerts in 1967 and he survives. After living for a year in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, the couple moved to Springfield where their daughter, Robyn LeAnn was born. In 1978, they moved to Athens, and have lived there ever since.
She enjoyed sewing, crafts and genealoogy, but her main love was caring for family and raising her daughter, Robyn, and children. Her love of children led her to earn a degree in early childhood education with high honors from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, while she was employed at the LLCC daycare center. She worked for several different private child care agencies in Springfield, Petersburg and Athens before finally choosing Memorial Hospital day care center. At retirement, she was honored by friends, coworkers and grateful parents, and was recognized for a total of over 30 years of devoted service caring for the lives of young people.
Mrs. Folkerts is survived by her husband, Robert C. Folkerts; daughter, Robyn LeAnn (Kevin) Folkerts Niesmann; sister, Shirly J. Slusser; brother-in-law, David H. Folkerts; sister-in-law, Nyla J. Folkerts Oneal; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry D. Slusser; sister, Mary Louise Slusser McKnight; and nephew, Shawn M. Slusser.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.
Condolences may be left at www.mottandhenning.com.
