Versie Rae Baucum (92) of St. Elmo

Versie Rae Baucum, age 92, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Elmo with a visitation from 8 a.m. to time of service. Father Ron Lorilla will be officiating. Interment will take place at Bonaventure Cemetery in rural St. Elmo at a later date. Memorials may go to St. Mary’s Church in St. Elmo, Illinois or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Versie was born on August 17, 1931 in Erwinville, Louisiana, the daughter of Aubin J. and Adelle (Armstrong) Andre. She moved from her birthplace in Louisiana to Billings, Montana in the 1950’s, then moved to St. Elmo in 1959 where she called home and raised her children. Versie worked night shift as a nurse’s aide at the St. Elmo Nursing Home (Friendship Manor) for 39 years along with many other odds and ends jobs such as babysitting and house cleaning to support her six children. She enjoyed sunning on the beach, drinking coffee, watching scary movies, and caring for her yard, home, and family. She liked Rhythm and Blues music in general, the Stevie Wonder song “I just called to say I love you”, and Kris Kristofferson’s song “Why Me Lord”. Versie was a devout Catholic.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Glen Baucum (wife Melissa) of Vandalia, Russell Baucum of Witt, William Steven Baucum of Le Roy, Darren Baucum (wife Jane) of Alabama; daughters, Sandra Evans of St. Elmo, Michele Burke (fiancé Rusty Rutledge) of St. Elmo; grandchildren, Scott Baucum (wife Traci),Brandon Baucum, Natasha Henderson, Bridie Baucum, Greg Hissong (wife Joy), Desirae Andrea Henson (husband Tyler), Dylan Job Baucum, Meghan Baucum, April Besaw (husband Caleb), Emily Baucum; great-grandchildren, Devin Baucum (wife Savannah), Bradin Baucum Tyler Baucum (special friend Dana), Brianna Henderson, Tayli Wharton, Tegan Wharton, Johnny Hissong, Nicki Hissong, Abigail Elise Henson, Gavin Andrew Jia Baucum, Tucker Alexander Baucum, great great-grandchildren, Everette Baucum, Marley Hissong, Abi Hissong, Eli Hissong, and grand puppy, Cookie Doe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubin and Adelle Andre; brother, Larry Andre Sr.; sister, Katie “Nanan” Ruth Chustz, Mercedes Hudson; sister-in-law, Zadie Andre; brother-in - law, Leon Chustz, Basil Hudson son-in-law, Steve Evans; granddaughter, Glenda Brown; greatgrandchildren, Cody Hissong, and Joplin Brown.