Carlene-Kay "Carly" Abigail Skelcher

On March 23, 2024, a precious gift from God arrived on earth. She was named Carlene-Kay Abigail Skelcher. She was born 6 weeks premature and fought her way out of the NICU a month later. Carly was a precious gift to her daddy Casey Skelcher of Goreville, Illinois and mommy Maggie Hendrix of Lafayette, Indiana. They moved to Goreville, Illinois when Carly was 4 months old so that she could be raised in Casey's hometown that he loves. They wanted Carly to go to Goreville School as her daddy did.

Carly passed into the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2024. She was met by her Great Granny Dorothy Dawes, Great Grandpa John Dawes, Great Grandpa Phil Miller, Great Grandma Barbara Skelcher, Great-Great Grandpa Clifton Skelcher, and Uncle Daniel Hendrix. Although Carly had a short time on earth, she brought so much joy and happiness to all who loved her. She will be so very missed by so many.

Carly enjoyed being outdoors, being spoiled and cuddled by all of her grandparents. She loved all things soft, fuzzy and bright. She loved her big puppy brother Aries. Most of all she loved when her daddy came home from work. She would grin ear to ear and reach for him to pick her up. Her eyes lit up every time he walked into a room. She loved for him to tickle her and make her laugh. She also loved grabbing handfuls of his beard. Carly and mommy were instant best friends and got to spend every day together making each other giggle with silly faces and noises. They would listen to nursery rhymes and play with toys every day. No one could ever get tired of her adorable smiles and babbles. Her mommy and daddy were her best friends. She enjoyed spending time with Grandma Marci and Papa Shannon and coming home to her was the best part of their day. She loved going to visit Grandpa Jack and Grandma Lana on the weekends to bring them joy. Although they lived far away, she loved to be cuddled by Grandparents Amy & Eric McFadden and Great Grandparents Jim & Debbie Lawson. Although her Grandpa Bill Hendrix wasn't able to spend too much time with her, he loved her so much and was extremely excited to have such a beautiful, funny and resilient granddaughter added to the family.

Please continue to pray for the families of precious little Carly in the following days, months and years until they are all reunited in Heaven.

Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross has been entrusted to assist the family with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 5-8 pm at Blue Funeral Home located at 812 North Broadway in Goreville. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow in Ebeneezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for expenses or to the Amy Schultz Child Advocacy Center at amycenter.org.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Until we hold you again precious little Carly, Mommy, Daddy, your Grandparents and extended family will carry you in our hearts. Forever and always our baby you'll be.