Emma Daum

CHARLESTON - Emma E. (Kent) Daum, 93, of Charleston, IL, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with her loving children at her side.

Emma was born February 26, 1932 in Centralia, Illinois, daughter of Thomas and Elsie (Baldridge) Kent.  She married John L. Daum, October 17, 1954 in Centralia, Illinois.  He preceded her into Heaven, June 22, 2013.  She is survived by their children, John T. Daum and wife Mindy of Decatur, IL, Susan Bartling and husband Tom of Las Vegas, NV, Nancy Durham and husband Jim of San Antonio, TX, and Brian Daum of Charleston; five grandchildren, Jenna Daum and husband Derek, Jared Daum and wife Hillary, Geoff Durham, Mitch Durham, and Emmy Bartling and husband Eric; two great-grandchildren, Theo Daum and Ruby Daum; numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends: Todd and Joyce Cassell, Mark and Mary McGuire, and Scott Ronspies.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and nine sisters.

Emma was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. For many years she helped countless young families with an in-home daycare. She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church where she provided delicious homemade doughnuts every Sunday. Emma was passionate about helping her husband John with the Charleston Community Band. During the summer, she could be found at the V.F.W. or along Lincoln Avenue, weeding the flower beds for all to enjoy.  Emma volunteered at Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site for twenty years, making the beautiful hand quilted quilts auctioned off as a fund raiser every fall.  She loved flowers, being outdoors and gardening.  Emma enjoyed family camping, collecting rocks, bowling, skiing, and playing tennis.  She was a friend to many and a stranger to no one.

Emma was honored with many volunteer awards which include:

Thomas and Sarah Lincoln Outstanding Volunteer Award

Spirit of Charleston Award (Chamber of Commerce)

Certificate of Appreciation by the Charleston Petunia Project

State of Illinois House of Representatives Acknowledgment of Dedicated Service through leadership of the Charleston Community Band

Community Family of the Year in 2002

A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, in Charleston, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Visitation with family will be 9-11 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. She will join her husband at a later date in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church or the Charleston Community Band.

The family would like to thank the many caring friends and the awesome staff at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice, and Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The family is being assisted by the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.

A Mother's Love Never Ends