Chesney Patience Gholson of Vienna
Chesney Patience Gholson, age 15 years, the beloved daughter of Rodney and Kari Beth Gholson, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 2025, at 1:45 a.m. at her home. At the time of her passing, Chesney was surrounded by members of her loving family.
Chesney was born June 27, 2010, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Ky. She was the first child born to Rodney and Kari Beth (Akridge) Gholson.
In addition to her parents, Chesney is survived by her brother, Rex Gholson of Vienna; her maternal grandparents, Dr. Don and Joyce Akridge of Vienna; aunts and uncles Christine Meade of Vienna, Carolyn (Don) Foster of Arizona City, Ariz., Roger Gholson of Buckeye, Ariz., and Dan (Jennifer) Akridge of Vienna; as well as cousins, other relatives, her church family and many dear friends.
Chesney was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Rev. William “Bill” and Pauline
Chesney was a sophomore at Vienna High School, where she had been active in the FFA Chapter, Youth For Christ (Y.F.C.), and 4-H.
Chesney earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and was a student of Wartrace Martial Arts in Vienna.
Chesney enjoyed many activities. She was skilled at sewing and handcrafts, such as crochet. Chesney also designed and created her own patterns in order to craft handmade purses. She was very musical and particularly enjoyed music from the 1970s and 1980s eras. Chesney was a self-taught guitarist.
At heart, however, Chesney enjoyed the country life and was a true pioneer girl. She relished being a self-styled “chicken farmer.” She was an avid reader and particularly treasured the “Little House on the Prairie” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She also enjoyed “The Waltons” television series.
Chesney was a faithful member of the Vienna First Baptist Church, where she was involved in the youth ministry. Chesney was a truly inspiring young woman. She was a constant source of positivity, hope and encouragement. She leaves a legacy of love to all who were privileged to know her.
A funeral service honoring the life of Chesney Gholson will be conducted Thursday morning, Oct. 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 N. 7th St., Vienna, Illinois. Pastor Brian Lingle, Pastor Scott Sparks and Pastor Tom Gray will officiate. A eulogy will be offered by Mike McCormick.
Interment will follow on the family farm, north of Vienna.
Visitation was conducted Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Thursday morning, Oct. 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the service hour at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church (Youth Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995; Vienna High School FFA Chapter, c/o VHS, 601 North 1st Street, Vienna, IL 62995; Wartrace Martial Arts, 355 Reevesville Road, Grantsburg, IL 6294; or Vienna High School - YFC (Youth For Christ) Chapter or the Vienna High School 4-H Chapter, c/o VHS, 601 N. 1st Street, Vienna, IL 62995.
To share a memory of Chesney or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, visit baileyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.