Laquita S. Darnell, nee Wheeler, 89, of Shiloh, Illinois, formerly of Cahokia, Illinois, born September 3, 1932 in Dupo, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2022 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Laquita worked for 43 years as a Paraprofessional for Cahokia School District 187. She was a member and Choir Mother of the former Maplewood Park Baptist Church in Cahokia, IL. She was a very avid reader and supporter of the Cahokia Public Library. She enjoyed camping with her family and collecting rocks that would catch her eye. Laquita, known for her Christmas cookies, would start baking cookies right after Halloween, freeze them, and just before Christmas, she would get them out and give them away to many people. She would make as many as 40 varieties.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Darnell; her parents, Arno and Marietta, nee Woods, Wheeler; a brother, Bobby Wheeler; and a sister, Vicki Young.

Surviving are her children, Michael (Nancy) Darnell of Lakewood, CO, Don (Connie) Darnell of Belleville, IL, and Robyn (Debbie Kirby) Darnell of Shiloh, IL; three granddaughters, Erin (Adam) Hallihan, Marissa (Mike) Broyles, and Meghan (Ian) Ricketson; ten great grandchildren, Emerson and Finn Hallihan, Max, Bo, Grayson, and Leo Broyles, and Bryson, Maddox, Raylee, and Coleson Ricketson; sister-in-law/best friend, Pat Darnell; brother-in-law, Tom Evans; and special nephew and his family; Ryan, Katie, and Adelynn Young. She was also a dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Laquita's family would like to send a special "Thank You" to her care givers from Heartland Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at braunfh.com.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Heartland Hospice.

In following Mrs. Darnell's wishes she was cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. Her cremated remains will be buried in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.