MCLEANSBORO – Venita Jane Carsten, age 84, of McLeansboro passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.
Venita was born March 28, 1940, in Dale to Clyde James Essary and Chloe Marie (Johnson) Essary. On June 18, 1955, she married Willard “Cap” Parker in Eldorado. He passed away on September 3, 1986. On October 13, 2002, Venita married James “Jim” Carsten in McLeansboro. He passed away July 16, 2019.
Venita was a homemaker and enjoyed quilting and cooking. She attended 1st Baptist Church in McLeansboro.
Survivors include James “Jim Bob” Parker and companion Debra Thomas of McLeansboro; her daughter, Judith Bowers and husband Mark of McLeansboro; grandchildren, Crystal Atkison and husband Derrick of McLeansboro and Amber Parker of McLeansboro; great-grandchildren also survive, Hannah Parker, Jacob Parker, Merrick Sanders and Vada Atkinson; and sister, Mary Tyler of West Virginia.
Venita was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Willard Parker; and husband, James Carsten; grandson, Jeremy Parker; daughter-in-law, Gayla Parker; brother Jarrel Essary; and sister, Shela Horton.
Memorials may be made to “Veterans” and will be accepted at Harre Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with the funeral service at 1 p.m. Pastor Robert Abbott will officiate with burial at Smith Cemetery in McLeansboro.
The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
