Carol Jean Clegg

BELVIDERE - Carol Jean Clegg was born in Sycamore, Illinois on June 15, 1942 to Leslie and Margaret Clarke. She grew up being older sibling to her brother Bill Clarke. Jean, Bill, and their parents lived in DeKalb where she attended school. The family moved to Belvidere in 1958 where Jean graduated high school in 1960.


After graduating from NIU, Jean was a substitute teacher for several years before being hired at Eswood school in Esmond, where she was Cary's sixth grade homeroom teacher. The rewards from teaching lasted a lifetime. Although it has been some time since she taught, she remembered every one of her students.


While her boys were young she was a Cub Scout leader for Curtis's boy scout den. After the children grew she taught line dance in DeKalb, Ogle, Boone, and Winnebago counties.


Jean was so happy being a Mom to Curtis and Cary. Her sons always came first for her. She was grateful for her grandchildren. Her heart was filled with love for each of them: Chad, Makayla, Chase, Liam and Aaron.


Jean worked ten years in the International Headquarters of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society at Northern Illinois University. Not only did she enjoy working there but she made lifelong friends with the staff, Board of Directors, and students.


One of her hobbies was collecting jewelry. This passion included selling Sara Coventry while Curtis and Cary were small and living at home. She enjoyed seeing the new collections on JTV.


Jean summered at Woodhaven. Her blue scooter was her preferred way of getting around. Sitting on the beach with a good novel was a great pastime; suspense novels were a favorite, James Patterson in particular. After reading each novel she would write a small book report on a notecard, thus helping record what she had read. She left behind well over a thousand book reports. She was often on waiting lists for new books at Belvidere Library.


While at Woodhaven she found a kitten. It took some patience, but this kitten, named Pat the Cat became her companion for the past thirteen years. Cat watched over her during her battle with cancer. He was never far away. He often sat on the arm of her chair looking at her while she slept, and he gave her great comfort in her last weeks.

Some of her other activities included organizing a neighborhood watch group, going out to lunch with her group from high school, and socializing with her holiday kick off group.


She is survived by her sons, Curtis (Sally) Clegg and Cary (Tynisha) Clegg; grandchildren, Liam, Chad, Aaron, Makayla and Chase; brother, Bill (Sandy) Clarke; nieces & nephews, Bill (Beth) Clarke, Jennifer Clarke and Shawn (Holly) Clarke; several great nieces & nephews and cousins; and beloved cat, Pat. She is predeceased by her parents; and former husband, Charles Lee Clegg.



Memorial Services held Saturday April 13, 2019 at 12:00 noon at Esmond United Methodist Church, 675 Main St., Esmond, IL, with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 12:00 noon. Cremation rights accorded. Private inurnment at Fairview Park Cemetery, Dekalb, IL. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family.