Jack & Doretta Emberton

Jack and Doretta will be reunited on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Mt. Zion Cemetery. 1043 South Thompsonville Road, Thompsonville, Illinois 62890. The Service will be 2-3 PM, with the Masonic Rights commencing at 2 PM. After the service, a “Celebration of Life” will be held at Jack, Jr’s residence. Join us in laughter and tears as we remember the life of these two incredible people.

     Jack Clay Emberton Sr., passed away at 12:32 PM on June 17, 2023. He was 80 years old. Jack was born and raised in Thompsonville, Illinois. He graduated from Thompsonville High School in 1961.

     Jack married Doretta Ann Wilcox on April 29, 1967. He then went to work as a lineman journeyman and was instrumental in bringing electricity to rural Illinois.

     In the mid 1970’s, Jack went to work for Old Ben Coal, staying with the coal mines for 20 years. He worked underground as a roof bolter and miner, as well as above ground as an electrician.

     Jack was a Master Mason at Akin Lodge #749. He was also a proud union member. Belonging to the UMWA, IBEW, and Teamsters at various times throughout his life.

In retirement, Jack loved to tinker around the farm. He could repair anything with MSHA tape and tie wire. He never met a carburetor he couldn’t set.

     The family would like to send a special Thank you to his oncologists: Dr. Michael B. Little and Dr. Bachir Berbari and the entire SIH Healthcare team.

     Doretta Ann Emberton (Wilcox) passed away on December 16, 2016. She was 68 years old. Doretta was born January 19, 1948, in Whittington, Illinois. She graduated from Benton High School in 1966, and immediately started work at the Franklin County Hospital training as a Practical Nurse.

     After Doretta married Jack on April 29, 1967, they welcomed three children and Doretta became a full-time mother and wife. And was very dedicated to both roles.

     Jack and Doretta followed the line crew for four years, when the decision was made to return to Thompsonville, IL for a very unselfish reason. They both wanted their children to attend a single school for their formative education. Thompsonville soon became “home” for the Emberton Family, with “Jack and Doretta” synonymous with a strong marriage.

     Throughout her lifetime, Doretta stayed close to her caring nature in the jobs she held. Working as a Scout leader, school chaperone, caregiver, bookkeeper and Township Supervisor for Cave Township. She was extremely supportive of her family and the backbone for all our adventures, even when those adventures did not go quite as well as we thought they would!

     Both Jack and Doretta loved traveling the United States, going on a yearly “family vacation” when the coal mines shut down for the two weeks of maintenance. They continued exploring the United States long after the “family” was not on vacation with them!

Jack and Doretta weathered the ups and downs that come with a long, successful marriage. They were only months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary when Doretta passed away. They truly honored the vows taken in 1967, “till death do us part”.

Jack and Doretta are survived by three children. Daughter: Sandra S. Emberton, and two sons: Jack C. Emberton Jr. (Beverly) and James Edward Emberton Sr. (Sarah). Five grandchildren: Aaron Emberton, Cassie Emberton, James Edward Emberton Jr. (Hannah), Jared Emberton, A.J. Staggs and the family dog Ruger. And Four great-grandchildren: Brailynn Emberton, Ryden Emberton, Karma Emberton and the newest addition, Theodore E. Emberton.

Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, Doretta was preceded by her father, mother, and four brothers.

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