Wenonah M. Bish, 113, of Sherman, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at The Villas Senior Care Community. She was born on October 2, 1912, in Springfield, IL, to Louis B. and Elizabeth R. Kelly Taborn. She married the love of her life, Edgar A. Bish, in 1943, and he preceded her in death on March 26, 2001.
Surviving Wenonah include her daughter, Delores Ann (Joseph, deceased) Hughes of Bolingbrook, IL; seven grandchildren, Pamela (Eric) Miller, Joseph H. (Elaine) Hughes, Edgar B. (Regina) Hughes, Donald E. (Marybeth) Wright, Jr., Douglas Wright, Dirk Wright, Derrick Wright; great-grandchildren, Danielle (Ben) Swift, Brandon Wright, Jordan Wright, Katherine Wright and Nicholas Wright; great-great-grandchildren, Jett Swift, Lana Swift, and Sophia Swift special cousin, Pam Jones King; special friends, Georgetta and James Slaughter and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters, Thelma Evans, Anne Cabelle, and Marguerite (James) Burton; one brother, Louis B. Taborn, Jr. and one son, Donald E. Wright.
Wenonah lived in Springfield for all of her life and was educated in the Springfield School District.
She was a dedicated and longtime member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She retired from Sangamo Electric as an assembly line worker after many years of service.
Being born in 1912 is mind boggling on its own, but Wenonah was the oldest resident in Illinois. She credits a strong faith and “keeping out of other folk’s business”, as secrets to her longevity. She really didn’t talk much about the past, instead looking forward to the joys of tomorrow. She greatly enjoyed receiving daily phone calls from her daughter, and frequent visits from family and friends. Wenonah loved the packages and treats that would be sent to her from all over the country and world. She had quite the sweet tooth, which gives most of us hope to continue to enjoy sugary treats! Celebrating her birthdays was her favorite occasion, and you better have had BBQ ribs, with all the trimmings from Smokey Bones and fried chicken, KFC original recipe of course!
To say Wenonah enjoyed shopping was an understatement, she was a fashionista and always “dressed to the nines”, never leaving home without her hair perfectly coiffed, makeup on, and earrings and pearls in place.
As the family “Jewel”, Wenonah was loved beyond measure.
Visitation: 9:00 – 10:00 am, Monday, November 10, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Monday, November 10, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Rev. Eve Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
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