03/27/2026
To join the livestream of Alene's funeral service, please select the link below. The service broadcast will begin at 12:55 P.M. CST Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and will be archived for 90 days from the service date for future viewing.
https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/9A3TB4
Viola Alene Huckelberry, age 92 years, a resident, along with her sister, Imogene, of the Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Center in Vienna and a former resident of the Belknap community passed away Friday morning, March 27, 2026, at 7:28 A.M. at Hillview Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Vienna.
Alene, as she was known to family and friends, was born December 28, 1933 at the family home at Belknap. She was the daughter of John Franklin Felker and May Estella (Keys) Felker.
On November 8, 1952, Alene was united in marriage to Gene Huckelberry in Corinth, Mississippi. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2012.
Alene is survived by: her children – Susie (James) Smith of Brookport, Illinois, Janet (David) Hester of Belknap, and Paul (Krista) Huckelberry of Metropolis; 8 grandchildren – Lisa (James Saradpon) Parmer, Justin (Crystal) Smith, Brandi (Jamie) Short, Brittany (Nick Randolph) Johnson, Bridgett (Josh) McMurtry, Bergandi (Sean) Carley, Josef Huckelberry, and Carissa (Jordan Wylie) Huckelberry; 10 great grandchildren – Jordan Parmer, Summer Parmer, Maci Parmer, Jordan Hansen, Julianna Hansen, Avery Smith, Landen Randolph, Carter Short, Cambrie Short, and Lillie Huckelberry; 2 great-great grandchildren – Tilly Parmer and Tatum Parmer; her twin sister – Imogene Simmons of Vienna; a brother-in-law – Johnny (Janine) Huckelberry of Vienna; a sister-in-law – Sherry Felker of Karnak; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Alene was preceded in death by: 2 infant sons – Robert Dale Huckelberry and Clinton Eugene Huckelberry; a granddaughter – Bailey Lynn Johnson; an infant brother – James Oliver Felker; 2 brothers – Johnny Felker and Clinton Dean Felker; a grandson-in-law – Justin Parmer; and Mitchell Stein.
Alene served for 39 years as the secretary and treasurer of the Belknap Water Department, until her retirement in 2019 at the age of 86. She and Gene were active for many years in the support and upkeep of the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Alene was also a member of the former Belknap Chapter # 1012 Order of the Eastern Star.
Alene was a dedicated homemaker. She took great joy in hosting Sunday dinners and holiday get-togethers, particularly the family Christmas Eve gathering. Alene was an excellent cook and is fondly remembered for making wonderful homemade yeast rolls. Alene cherished her family and took great pride in their accomplishments and activities. She especially enjoyed spending time through the years with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Alene enjoyed gardening and canning produce from the bounty that she and Gene raised. She could also often be found mowing and tending her yard. Alene and Gene were avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fans and enjoyed watching the games together. Alene enjoyed going to the Faith Alive Thrift Store in Vienna with her sister Imogene as well as going shopping with other family members.
Alene was a faithful Christian and was a member of the Belknap Pentecostal Church.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 1 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Kenneth Capps will officiate.
Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Alene’s grandchildren: Lisa Parmer, Justin Smith, Brandi Short, Brittany Johnson, Bridgett McMurtry, Bergandi Carley, Josef Huckelberry, and Carissa Huckelberry.
Visitation will be conducted Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation from 12 Noon until the funeral hour at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Belknap Masonic Cemetery, and mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995.
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