Sara “Sally” Suzanne Tudor passed on Monday January 19, 2026. She was born on October 25th, 1949 in Carbondale, IL to William James and Wilma Blanche (James) Tudor. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James and Charles.

After growing up in Carbondale (her favorite place) and Edwardsville, and then graduating from Southern Illinois University, Sally devoted her life to the learning and development of young children first by teaching first grade and then spearheading Project H.E.L.P. for the Eastern Illinois Area Special Education Co-Op. Through her teaching, her work with E.I.A.S.E., and then her work as a consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education, Sally built countless friendships and connections throughout the state and country.

Sally was a caring and compassionate mother to her daughter Jennifer (Dee,) her son Patrick (wife Tara,) Grandchildren Sasha, Michele (husband Akeemeligh,) Brandon (wife Victoria,) Clayton, and Colton, Great Grandchildren Braydon (wife Adriana,) Bree’Linn, Akeem, Emersen, Eason, and Eisleigh and Great-Great Grand Child Freya.

After her family and career, Sally’s next biggest love was James Taylor, of which she spent countless hours singing and dancing to his various albums. Sally also loved Saturday morning westerns, most of all starring Sam Elliott before cleaning and rearranging the furniture in the house; reading mysteries, especially Sue Grafton and James Patterson; and SHOPPING (she new the quality of every mall in Illinois and the metro St. Louis area.) Sally was also vocal in politics with some of her favorite experiences peacefully protesting for civil and women’s rights and also door knocking and voter registration drives with her favorite being the Obama campaigns.

Sally was also a devout animal lover who treasured her time with Hemingway, Ben, Missey, and various other dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ducks (John and Abigail) and all the best fed squirrels and birds in central Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at the Mattoon Country Club on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to extend their eternal gratitude to the staff of Copper Creek in Mattoon for their compassionate care and support.

Instead of mourning, Sally would want you to read a book to the closest child and make sure to give them a big hug (and maybe some ice cream or chocolate.)