Mary Easter Brooks - Wilfong, nee Murphy, 91, of Imperial, Missouri, formerly of Cahokia, Illinois, born April 21, 1935 in Kuttawa, Kentucky,the youngest of six children. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

At a young age, Mary moved to Alorton, Illinois, where she was raised with warmth and guidance by her eldest sister, Eunice Glass. Illinois became the foundation for a life devoted to family, home, and simple pleasures. Her strength, faith, and enduring warmth left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know her.

Mary was retired from Our Lady of the Snows Apartment Community in Belleville, IL. She was a member of the former First Baptist Church of Cahokia, IL and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal's fan.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Wilfong (July 24, 2026); a son, Carl  Brooks; a daughter, Sherry Breithaupt; her parents, Herbert and Helen, nee Moran, Murphy, her siblings, Raymond Brent, Eunice Glass, Maggie Humphrey, Annie Kelso, and Opal Wangelin; two son-in-laws, Robert Cooley and Steve Selders; and a grandson, Robert "Wayne" Cooley, Jr.

Surviving are her devoted daughters, Carol (Fred) Luzinski Bonnie (Kevin) Love, Rita (Mike Taylor) Selders, and Helen (Tim) Montgomery; stepchildren, Don (Mary) Wilfong, Joe (Linda) Wilfong, and Leanne Kessler; daughter-in-law, Beverly Lattina; son-in-law, Fred Breihaupt; many grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was also a dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Humane Society, or the ASPCA in Mary's memory.

Friends may visit from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026 and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Tony Ye officiating. In following Mary's wishes,people are encouraged to wear St. Louis Cardinals attire. Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.