Clyda Sue Curtis

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Clyda Sue Curtis, 56, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at her home in Harrisburg following an extended battle with cancer.

Clyda, formerly of Bluford, was born Dec. 13, 1953, to Vern and Vivian Baldridge in Mount Vernon. She is survived by her parents of Bluford; her husband, Jim Curtis; and her son, Rob Curtis, a student at Eastern Illinois University.

After graduating from high school in Bluford and attending Rend Lake Community College, Clyda moved to Harrisburg and began working for Harrisburg Unit No. 3 Schools in 1975. Her position as secretary to the superintendent and school board continued for nearly 35 years until her death. Working for the Harrisburg school district was a tremendous source of pride and fulfillment in her life.

Having been raised in the First Baptist Church of Bluford, she strengthened her faith as a member of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg for the last 10 years of her life.

Clyda was an avid china painter. She was frequently recognized for her artistry and skill and enjoyed traveling to conventions with friends from her guild. She also loved to travel with her family and chose the majestic mountains of the West as her favorite vacation destination. She enjoyed trips to the Great Northwest and Mt. Rainier on several occasions and had a special affinity for the U.S. and Canadian Rockies.

Remarkably, Clyda thrived as a breast cancer survivor for nearly 19 years. Her determination, perseverance and devotion to family, community and life have been an inspiration to so many for a very long time.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg and from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.