Clearetta McCurtis

Clearetta McCurtis, 84, of Waukegan, IL, passed away on February 4, 2026.

Clearetta was born on June 8, 1941, in Clarke County, AL, the daughter of Lawrence Williams Sr., and Rachel Lynum. She graduated from Wilson Hall High School and worked as a substitute teacher in Alabama until she married William McCurtis on July 11, 1959. Shortly after she moved to Illinois, where she worked for Abbott Laboratories for three years, until pursuing being a self-employed owner of rental property. Clearetta was known for being a generous Christian who devoted her life to serving others. She had a calming presence and helped those in need. She hosted many Bible study groups, called The Circle, when attending shilow Baptist Church, before learning about Catholicism, becoming Catholic, and attending Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Waukegan, IL. She provided a loving home for her daughter and grandson Carlos. Clearetta loved spending time in her garden, doing crossword puzzles, playing Jeopardy, or reading books. She also enjoyed spending time with her husband attending concerts in the park or any local concerts in the area.

Clearetta is survived by her daughter, Angela McCurtis; grandson "son," Carlos Colon; loving sister, Lorena Williams; loving brother-in-law, Jimmy Curry; loving brother, Lawrence Williams Jr.; and loving sister-in-law Meta Williams; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William McCurtis; parents, Lawrence and Rachel Williams; brothers, James Williams and Sherwood Williams; and sisters, Annie Hanna and Flora Lewis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL.

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