Ruth Pauline Carlton, 96, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 7:55 pm March 11, 2021 at her residence with her family by her side. She was born January 22, 1925 in Jefferson County, Illinois to the late Paul Milton and Delia Allie (Lisenby) Jamerson. Ruth married Ralph D. Carlton on March 23, 1944 in Mount Vernon. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 11, 2002.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Linda Carlton of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Lisa Witzel and husband Kerry of Mount Vernon, Sherry Hardig and husband, Calvin of Texico, Illinois, Jason Hirons and wife, Carrie of VanAlstine, Texas, Tammy Padget and husband, John of Mount Vernon, and Tricia Kendrick and husband, Noah of Windham, Ohio; ten great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Pauline was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Hirons; stepmother, Mildred VanDyke, who raised her after her mothers death at age seven; and brothers, James Jamerson, William Jamerson, and Jimmy Ray Lowery.

Pauline worked for the Granada theatre during the war and later at the Coca-Cola plant. After that, she worked as a seamstress at the garment factory. Pauline later retired from Illinois Brokerage. She was of the Christian faith. Pauline’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Pauline will be greatly missed.

Per her wishes, private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Pauline’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or SSM Health at Home Hospice.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.