GENEVA ISHAM

Geneva Isham, 87, of Kaneville, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Geneva was born on February, 1, 1937 in Hammond, Kentucky to Leanard and Sudie Mills (nee Bright).Geneva grew up in Flat Lake, Kentucky and attended local schools.

 In 1953 at the age of 16, Geneva moved to Detroit, Michigan where she met her future husband, Leroy Isham.  At the time she was working at her sister’s restaurant as a waitress.  One day when she was working, Leroy and his friends came into the restaurant to eat and Geneva was their waitress.  At first she found his virtuous character a bit abrasive, but he pursued her endlessly so she finally took him up on his offer and went on a date with him. After a couple years of dating they married on February 15, 1955 in Angola, Indiana.

Geneva spent many of her children’s formative years being a stay at home mother and homemaker.  She loved her children more than anything and felt blessed to be able to look after them as they grew up.  Even when she did start to work she would work only in the winter and take the rest of the year off so that she could look after her children when they were on summer break.  She never wanted to have to leave them with a sitter, she never wanted to miss a moment.  After her children were grown she started working for Coilform/Taut Industries, a company that made medical supplies.  She worked there for 37 years before retiring in 2015.  During her time at Coilform she made many close friends.  The employees really were like a second family to each other.  They had potlucks on a regular basis, where Geneva was known for her desserts.  Everyone knew that if Geneva made it, it was going to be good. Geneva was a long-standing member of Victory Baptist Church in DeKalb.  Geneva and Leroy made many life long friends while attending church.

 Geneva at her core was a nurturer.  She was at her best when she was with her family.  She was born to be a grandmother and it was one of her favorite roles in life.  She was always available to watch her grandchildren and took every chance she had to spend time with them.  She loved to spoil them any chance she could, they were so fortunate to have such a compassionate, caring grandmother.  Anytime the grandchildren had something going on whether it be a play at school or a little league game, you could guarantee she would be cheering them on.  She was their biggest cheerleader and supporter.  Geneva was an amazing cook and every holiday was at her house.  Everyone knew that if she was cooking they were in for an amazing meal.  She loved to feed her family.  Seeing the smiles on their faces brought her so much joy.  Geneva was an opinionated, strong willed, sassy woman, with a big heart for Jesus. Geneva will be missed dearly by her family and friends. 

Geneva leaves behind her children: Danny (Debra) Isham, Peggy (Chris) Hess, and Scott Isham; her grandchildren: Sharon (Joe) Baker, Will Hogland, Jennifer Isham, Cassie (Keith) Grashorn, Danny (Emma) Hess, Joe (Barbara) Isham, Jaclyn Morgan, and Kelly (Derek) Ellison; her 14 great grandchildren; her great great grandson, Cyrus, and a whole family of friends.

Geneva is reunited with her parents, Leanard and Sudie Mills; her husband of 42 years, Leroy Isham; and her seven siblings.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, IL.  A service will immediately follow the visitation at 12:00p.m. also at Conley Funeral Home.  A private family burial will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Geneva’s name. Checks may be made to the “Geneva Isham Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.