Nola Jean Gregory

Nola Jean "Wooden Nickel" Gregory, 66, of Robinson, IL, died at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her beloved family. She was born February 18, 1951 in Sullivan, IN, the daughter of Leslie Vaughn Lowe & Thelma Grace Ridgeway, both of whom preceded her in death. Nola Jean married Donald E. Gregory on February 17, 1996, and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles Lowe; by her sister, Donna Bryant; and by her great-grandson, Henry Brackett in infancy. She is survived by her four daughters & sons-in-law, Tabatha & Fred Smith (Robinson, IL), Rita Perrine (Robinson, IL), Amanda Higgins (Robinson, IL), and Vonnetta & Daniel Shipman (Flat Rock, IL); by her grandchildren, Brandon & Rebecca Shipman (Stoy, IL), Danielle & Allen Bower (Robinson, IL), Jessie & Joni Shipman (Robinson, IL), Adrian Baud (Marion, IL), Brandi Kendall (Robinson, IL), Curtis Higgins (Robinson, IL), Braxton Bennett (Robinson, IL), Dustin Shipman (Flat Rock, IL), Matthew Shipman (Flat Rock, IL), and Summer Shipman (Flat Rock, IL); by three sisters, Delores Fricker (Robinson, IL), Anna Scott (Robinson, IL), and Alice May (Robinson, IL); by her brother, Carlton Lowe (New Albany, IN); as well as several nieces and nephews. She was a bartender, and owned Donnola’s Bar for over ten years. When she wasn’t working, she could be found scavenging through local garage sales or spending time outside planting flowers. Nola Jean was a happy soul who loved her family with all of her being. She had a caretaker’s heart, and took in foster kids all of the time. If her family ever needed advice, she was their go-to. She was a tough lady, and would never be caught complaining. Her spirit lives on in the family she cared for and loved so deeply. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. on 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will follow and will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family committal service will be held at a later date at the Hutsonville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, with envelopes available at the funeral home.