Alicia Kay Cremeens of Carterville

Alicia Kay Cremeens, 43, of Carterville passed away Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Burial is in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin after 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to a scholarship fund for her daughter, in care of Joseph Upton.

Alicia was born on Dec. 8, 1981, in Carbondale to Ronald Eugene and Deborah Lynn (Messer) Cremeens. She married Joseph Leland Upton on Oct. 24, 2009, in Carbondale.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Upton; the light of her life, daughter, Layla Kay Upton; parents Ron and Debbie Cremeens; in-laws Rick and Debbie Upton; sister Michelle (K.T.) Taylor; sister-in-law Melissa (Ben) Henson; nieces and nephews Zoe and Ally Taylor, and Maddy, Alex, Zach and Katy Henson; plus several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alicia began her career as a CT/MRI technician, completing a clinical rotation at the Mayo Clinic. She went on to work as a Physician Assistant for Dr. Sherry Jones, who specialized in OB/GYN care, for over 10 years and also worked with Dr. Nader Dababneh, who specialized in GI care. Most recently, she was a dedicated instructor in the Radiologic Sciences Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Outside of her professional life, Alicia loved coaching her daughter's soccer team and treasured time spent with her family. She also enjoyed shopping, traveling, crafting and sewing in her free time.

For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com.