Wilma Jene Bond, affectionately known as “GB,” 86, passed away peacefully at 3:33 AM on June 23, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her daughter, Julie Ann Bond; granddaughter, Lauren Bond Brickey; and husband, Jack Butler. In the days and hours leading up to her passing, Wilma Jene was comforted by the presence of her daughter, grandchildren, husband, and many beloved family members and dear friends.

Born on July 30, 1939, in Lutesville, Missouri, Wilma Jene was the cherished daughter of the late Dewey and Mary “Mamie” (Morlan) Eaker. At the age of four, her family relocated to the Bethalto area, where she grew up and later graduated from Civic Memorial High School.

 Wilma Jene was the last surviving sibling of the Eaker family, preceded in death by her nine siblings: Velma Angel, Lorene Cox, Mary Eaker, Warren Eaker, Rayburn Eaker, Darrell Eaker, Vivian Eaker, Lettie (Bill) Simmons, and Dorma (Dale) Mueller, the last of whom passed away just a few weeks ago. She is now reunited in peace with them all.

Family was the cornerstone of Wilma Jene’s life, especially her daughter, Julie Ann Bond, who blessed her with two grandchildren who became the center of her world, Lauren Bond (Maryann) Brickey and Jacob Bond Mudge. Her world expanded in 2010 after marrying Jack Butler, who brought into the family three of his own children, John (Kathleen) Butler, Tom Butler, and Anne Herrin, and six grandchildren. Wilma Jene also had many nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, whom she loved and adored. She always felt blessed to have so many young people in her life to love and mentor.

Starting in 1957, Wilma Jene worked in administration at Shell Oil Company for seven years. She was later employed by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) for thirty years, where she was hired as Executive Assistant to the President, John Rendleman, beginning in its formative years at the newly created Chancellor’s Office when the campus became autonomous from the Carbondale campus in 1966. Her early years at SIUE included planning and working all the special events at the university, including every graduation and the infamous Mississippi River Festival, which left her with a legacy of stories. She loved SIUE, its campus, higher education, and working for six different Chancellors and Presidents during her tenure. The students, faculty, and staff felt like her extended family. A former staff member once mentioned that “when you walked into Wilma Jene’s office, you better have walked in ‘correct.’” Wilma Jene also served on the SIUE Credit Union Board for several years. She became an Assistant Executive Director as an “executive on loan” to the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois housed on the SIUE campus in 1996, retiring from SIUE in 1999.

Her retirement encompassed being devoted to her daughter and grandchildren and volunteerism in Edwardsville. She was active in the Boards of the Mayor’s Beautification and Tree Commission (serving six years as chair of the Green Thumb Committee), The American Cancer Society, The Colonial Benjamin Stephenson House, Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Faith in Action, and the Grandview Homeowner’s Association (serving six years as President). One of her most cherished recognitions was being a recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Award for community service. She also served on the Madison County Arts Council Board and served dinner in her home to Charles Kuralt, former host of CBS Sunday Morning, and his photographer, Izzy, who visited Edwardsville at the invitation of the Arts Council. She also enjoyed longtime membership in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Newcomers & Neighbors and the League of Women Voters.

Wilma Jene’s passions were her family, especially her daughter and her grandchildren, gardening and nature, traveling (especially with her husband Jack), reading, cooking, volunteerism, antiques, and old lace. Her kitchen was a place of joy and entertainment. She was a positive thinker and loved meeting new people. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her warmth, her devotion to her family, and the lasting legacy of love she leaves behind. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edwardsville Arts Center.