Elaine C. Weatherford, 83, formerly of Columbia, Ill., died Oct. 26, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Taylorville, Ill. Mrs. Weatherford retired from Fox C-6 School District in Arnold where she worked as an early elementary teacher and librarian. After retirement, she continued her work in education as a volunteer in the library at Parkview Elementary School in Columbia, Ill. She worked for H&R Block as a tax preparer and later started her own business, Elaine’s Tax Service. She was a dedicated member of Kirkwood United Methodist Church. She loved to read, solve puzzles of all kinds and was an endless learner and teacher. Additionally, she enjoyed cross-stitching and crocheting. Most importantly, “Gram” loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Born June 23, 1941, in Mayfield, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Hubert Farris and Mary Loraine (Brooks) Clayton.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Jerry D. Weatherford, whom she married on Aug. 11, 1962, in Jackson, Tenn.
She is survived by a son: Gregory (Andrea) Weatherford of Columbia, Ill.; a daughter: Laura (Michael) Seitz of Moweaqua, Ill.; four grandchildren: Breck (Amanda) Seitz of Chicago, Ill., Paige (Zachary) Ludwig of Moweaqua, Ill., Kelsey (Sam) Lange of East Dubuque, Ill., and Ryan (Aly York) Weatherford of Columbia, Ill.; two sisters: Mary Douglass of Brentwood, Tenn., and Hope Koebbe of Kirkwood; two brothers: Brooks Clayton of Jackson, Tenn., and John (Doris) Clayton of Brentwood, Tenn.; and a sister-in-law: Carolyn Clayton of Jackson, Tenn.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: Paul Clayton; a sister: Martha McLaughlin; three brothers-in-law: Paul Douglass, Ronald Koebbe and Bill McLaughlin; and a sister-in-law: Linda Clayton.
Visitation is scheduled from noon until funeral services at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Seitz Funeral Home, 118 E. Main St., in Moweaqua, Ill. Memorials may be made to Columbia Public Library or First United Methodist Church of Moweaqua, c/o Seitz Funeral Homes. Arrangements are under the direction of Seitz Funeral Home.