Allison John “AJ” Wesley, Sr. 75, of Centralia passed on from his earthy home to a glorious welcoming to his Heavenly home on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 25, 1945 the son of Major John and Marjorie (Lewis) Wesley in Centralia. He married Ophelia Hardin on January 4, 1969 in Centralia. They were married 30 years before their divorce and she survives in Springfield, Missouri.
Along with his ex-wife, Ophelia, survivors include his beloved family, sons, Ferdinand “Freddie” Hardin Wesley and wife Sherry L. Hardin of Springfield, Missouri, Andrew Flippen of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and Andre Bennett (Heather) of Racine, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Chelsea S. Davis, Amber Flippen, Atwione Flippen, Teneal P. Hardin, Kyle Nix, Makayla Flippen, Alyssa Miller, Destinee Wesley, Dawson Bennett, and Kaley Groff, Jessie Hernandez, Jr., and Jason Hernandez; brothers, Stanley Wesley of Florida, Robert Wesley of Bloomington, Illinois, Nathaniel Wesley, Sr. of Centralia, Illinois, and Eddie Wesley of Centralia, Illinois; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Allison was preceded in death by both his parents; sisters, Dolphonso Hill, Dorothy Walker, and Brenda Lawson; brothers, Jerry Lee Wesley, Arnold Wesley, Raymond Wesley, Glen Wesley, Sr., and James Wesley; son, Allison John Wesley, Jr.; and granddaughter, Teneva J. Hardin Archie.
Mr. Wesley was a man that had a strong work ethic and was an amazing provider for his family. He worked for Hollywood Brands Candy factory in Centralia, Natural Gas Pipe Line Bears District, Magazine Mailers, Heitman, Illinois Central Railroad, and was also a self-employed house painter for many years. Known as a jack of all trades, Allison was a true handy man who could repair anything and was happy to do so for his grateful family and friends. He enjoyed time spent outdoors, fishing and gardening in his abundant vegetable garden. Allison was always kind enough to share the fish he caught by inviting everyone over for a fish fry at his house, and guest might also go home with some bounty from his garden. He was a natural at bowling and was able to celebrate many strikes while playing. He also was a whizz at checkers and loved to play cards especially when holding the winning hand. Allison never met a stranger and could be found sitting under the tree in the front yard of his house ready to start a good conversation. Allison had an amazing singing voice that he shared with those attending May Fete in Centralia during the 1970’s and 1980’s. His heart was filled with love for his family and his best moments were spent with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Allison was hardworking, devoted to his family, talented in uncountable ways, and generous to all. He may have left this earthy home but he will never be forgotten as his spirit will live on in all those he knew and loved.
Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Allison Wesley, Sr. with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. A visitation time will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home where those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and the number of people in the funeral home at one time will be limited. Memorials may be made in Allison’s honor to the American Heart Association. Online condolences and memories of Allison may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
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