Earlene Davis Voigt, 90, of O’Fallon, IL, born Tuesday, December 2, 1930, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her residence.
Earlene was the only child of Ernie Frank and Florence Morgan Davis. She grew up in a close-knit community where she began her lifelong craft of making friends and building connections. A member of the Greatest Generation, Earlene shared fascinating stories about life during the Depression and World War II. She attended Hawthorne School, Lansdowne Junior High, East St. Louis Senior High School (Class of 1948) and Miss Hickey’s Secretarial School. Earlene was employed by Price Waterhouse for 16 years, advancing from stenography to secretary for two partners. Watching the rise of the Gateway Arch from her boss’ office was a fond memory of those years.
After some ill-fated golf lessons, Earlene ran into her instructor, Clarence Fielding Voigt, during a 1964 World Series game at Sportsmen’s Park. Their courtship commenced, and Clarence and Earlene were married the next year on December 27, 1965.
Earlene loved people! She made many friends over the years through school, career, volunteering, club work and everywhere she went. Earlene enjoyed membership in and was elected to the Presidency of the Junior Wednesday Club, Junior Service Club (Life Member), Excelsior Club, Thursday Literary Club and her beloved P.E.O. Chapter EY (to which she was initiated in April 1969). As a 50-year member of First United Presbyterian Church, Earlene served as an Elder, taught Vacation Bible School and was still active in her treasured Lamplighter Circle.
With legendary enthusiasm and a generous heart, Earlene was quick to include others, connect people and cook up some fun. She was gifted with charisma and the ability to build instant rapport, which she used with sincerity to affirm others and make them feel special. Earlene had an incredible memory, especially for the details of her friends’ lives – their children and grandchildren, their jobs or where they grew up. She always made the effort to smile and offer a kind word, which is why she continued to make new friends throughout her life.
Deeply faithful and with an abundance mentality, Earlene had an endless supply of good will for her fellow man and taught lessons in optimism and friendship by the way she sprinkled joy as she lived out her days.
Earlene’s interests included Cardinals baseball (a passion kindled with her Dad at Sunday doubleheaders), the Muny (and a love of musicals) and the Symphony Pops. She also enjoyed the splendor of sunsets and the beauty of fall leaves.
As the last surviving member of her generation on both sides of her family, Earlene only wished the other grandparents could have shared the joy of watching their three grandchildren grow up.
Earlene was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, her parents, her son-in-law’s parents (Richard Charles and Virginia Davis Strand) and many special cousins on both the Davis and Morgan sides of her family.
She is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Cecelia Curran Voigt Strand and Richard Andrew Strand, and by her grandchildren whom she cherished – Caroline Davis Strand, Andrew Fielding Strand and Ryan Ernest Strand. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, many second cousins and a legion of dear friends.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials to the any of the following organizations would be appreciated: First United Presbyterian Church, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Kansas and Missouri Chapter or P.E.O. Education Loan Fund.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 pm Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL and from 10:00 – 11:00 am Saturday, October 16, 2021, at First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 16, 2021, at First United Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Rob Dyer officiating. Private family interment at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.
19 Comments To "Earlene Davis Voigt"
#1 Comment By Barb McMahan On October 12, 2021 @ 8:40 pm
So sorry for your loss. She was also a generous supporter of Girl Scouts or at least our troop was blessed to know her. She always had a smile and so cheerful. The world will dearly miss such a sweet , beautiful and kind lady as her.
Much love to you all as you celebrate her life.
#2 Comment By Kathy Hardisty On October 13, 2021 @ 9:53 am
I am so sad to hear about Earlene’s passing. She was my mother’s best friend at the Colonnade and such a wonderful person. My mom Ramah loved her but was unable to stay in touch as her faculties are not so good. I know that Earlene is with Jesus and having a wonderful time and that she and my mother will be reunited one of these days. There is definitely hope in Jesus.
#3 Comment By Wes Holzinger On October 13, 2021 @ 12:40 pm
My deepest condolences to Cecelia and Richard. I can’t remember if we had ever met at the Colonnade when I was the Maintenance Director. Your Mom was an absolute sweetheart and a joy to always be around. Truly one of the friendliest, nicest, most positive person that I have ever known. I know that The Colonnade will be a much duller place with her not being around.
#4 Comment By Marilyn Linton On October 13, 2021 @ 1:36 pm
Earlene was one of my favorite friends over the years. I haven’t seen Earlene for several years, I can remember our friendship and the many good times we shared. She definitely will be missed…Rest in peace, Dear Friend.
#5 Comment By Jane Wilkin On October 13, 2021 @ 1:47 pm
Earlene was always a true and faithful friend to me and blessed my life so much.
Deepest sympathy,
#6 Comment By Michael Mueller On October 13, 2021 @ 3:31 pm
So sorry for your loss.It was so much fun playing junior golf at St.Clair and getting to know Clarenceand Earlene.What a hoot!Loved talking musicals with her and having Clarence offer advice on my swing after just two swings.Clarence made good wooden clubs also!!Earlene was just a joy!!Sorry I am out of town for the Services!!
#7 Comment By Andy Gleeson On October 13, 2021 @ 5:08 pm
I grew up on 46tb St in ESL as next door neighbors to the Davis family as did my Mother and her family. Earlene and her parents were such a positive experience for my siblings and I. She maintained that presence that was Earlene to this day. While I’m sad that she’s no longer physically present her memory, her ebullient personality and her life long friendship with the Keeley/Gleeson family will remain with us forever. I’m out of town but hope to return in time to personality pay my respects. Truly one of a kind!
#8 Comment By Nancy Bucknell On October 13, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
Cece, you have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. Your mom always had a smile for everyone, that’s what I will always remember of her. She truly demonstrated Christian values in her words and actions. She was such a dear woman and the world was a happier, warmer, better place for her being in it. Praying for God’s comfort and blessing on you and your family.
#9 Comment By Judy Kennedy On October 13, 2021 @ 5:13 pm
Your mother was so welcoming when I joined PEO EY and I will not be forget her smile. May she rest in the arms of our Lord.
Judy Kennedy
#10 Comment By Larry Johnson On October 13, 2021 @ 8:37 pm
My condolences to Earlene’s family. My parents June and Gene Johnson were friends of Earlene for over sixty years. They attended East St. Louis Sr. High together. My mom enjoyed many years with Earlene in Junior Service Club, while my Dad and Earlene wereLarry on the high school Reunion planning committee for thirty years. Earlene and my parents served together as Elders and on many committees at First United Presbyterian Church in East St. Louis and Belleville.
I had the pleasure of meeting Earlene as a teen at church. Her outgoing, engaging personality, her friendliness were part of her being.
Earlene was a happy person, and being in her presence one could not help but feel better having seen and engaged in
conversation with her. Earlene’s was a life well lived.
#11 Comment By Barb Constance On October 13, 2021 @ 10:16 pm
CeCe: so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful person. I will be out of town with my family, so I will not be able to be there with you, but I offer my sincere condolences to you and yours/
#12 Comment By Ellen Plotner On October 14, 2021 @ 8:54 am
Cece, I’m so sadden with news of your Mom’s passing. Her obituary brought tears, as it was truly a beautiful description of Earlene. She was an incredible woman who made everyone feel so special. We all are truly blessed to have known and loved her. I know now she is planning outings up in Heaven with my Mom. My deepest sympathy. Ellen Plotner
#13 Comment By Mary Barbara Kurtz On October 14, 2021 @ 8:55 am
To Earline’s Family….
I met Earline right out of college in the 90’s when I worked at the Women’s Crisis Center and I ran into her throughout the years at Junior Service Club events. Earline was a rare gem. She was always smiling and welcoming to everyone she came into contact with and she was genuine. The room lit up when she made her appearance. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, but I hope it beings you comfort in knowing she touched the lives of so many. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
#14 Comment By Bruce R. Cook On October 14, 2021 @ 9:26 am
Dear Cece,
Please know how sorry I am about the passing of your mom. She was a unique and wonderful person. I feel lucky to have been her friend for so many years.
#15 Comment By jenni del rio On October 14, 2021 @ 10:43 am
Cece, her story is beautiful, she was such a little spitfire. We are grateful that we got to meet her, and just seeing the genuine love exchanged with her family, you can tell what a great inspiration is for you all. I am glad she had such a beautiful and long life surrounded by love. Wishing you all the best always, The Del Rio’s.
#16 Comment By Mary Stiehl On October 14, 2021 @ 4:12 pm
Your Mother initiated me into P.E.O. and we were also in Excelsior Club together. I truly loved her and looked forward to our meetings. She always told stories about her close friendship with my sister-in-law’s Mother, ( Edna Grace McKinley), who died too young(56). I will always remember Earlene’s beautiful smile and kind voice. May She be lifted on eagles wings.?❤
#17 Comment By CA Greenwood On October 15, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
Cece, I am sorry for your loss of your dear mother. I only met her a few times but every time she was smiling. She was blessed to have touched so many lives through her life story. The world was a better place because of her, she will be remembered forever more.
#18 Comment By Cindy Haas May On October 18, 2021 @ 10:29 pm
Sending sympathy to you, CeCe, and your lovely family. The Haas family was blessed to have known Clarence and Earlene and you for so many years in so many ways. St. Clair CC, women’s clubs, babysitting you…..They we’re both so proud of you!
Earlene will be missed, but never forgotten. She was a special lady.
With sympathy and friendship,
Shirley Haas and family
#19 Comment By Elizabeth Cutler On November 17, 2021 @ 9:59 pm
I am so sorry to Hear of your moms passing. She was a delightful lady. My mother Jane James went to grade school together, They both attended Miss Hickeys and reconnected at the Colonade. My mother loved her. I’m sure your mom filled her in on all that she missed at Club Colanade. I had the pleasure of taking, Mom, your mom, and Rahma to Joesephines Tea Room in Grafton and Earline never stopped talking about how wonderful it was. Her obituary was beautifully written and it certainly captured, her beauty inside and out.