With hearts full of gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Illa Rene McCaskey on July 19, 2026, at the age of 89.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and above all, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Illa lived a life that reflected God's love in the simplest and most meaningful ways. Her greatest ministry was built within her home and in the countless quiet moments she spent caring for others. That's kingdom work, she would've said.

Born on August 25, 1936, in the Lost Creek community of Sparta, Tennessee, to Rama Arthur McCormick and Lillie Irene Austin McCormick, Illa was the beloved wife of John Theodore McCaskey for 36 years. The two were united in marriage in 1959 and shared a life rooted in family and devotion until his passing in 1995. A faithful member of Lost Creek Methodist Church for many years, she later also attended Bear Cove Baptist Church. Though she served faithfully in countless roles throughout her life, none brought her greater joy than being a mother and the heart of her family across multiple generations. Generational blessings, she would've said.

If there were ever a picture of what a mother and grandmother should be, it was Illa. She loved without condition, served without hesitation, and gave without expecting anything in return. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering with her family, hearing their stories, celebrating their victories, or simply sitting together in one another's company. Her home was a place of comfort, her arms a place of refuge, and her heart always had room for one more. She loved her family, she would've said.

She had a remarkable gift for bringing peace wherever she went. A tense room could be transformed by her soft smile, replaced by a sense of comfort and calm. She was the steady voice when life felt uncertain, the listening ear when burdens became too heavy, and the gentle source of wisdom so many leaned upon. When life hurt, she was there. When life was worth celebrating, she was there. If someone needed help, she was the first to offer her time, her hands, or simply her presence. She always showed up, not because she had to, but because loving people was who she was. She loved her family, she would've said.

More than anything, Illa's life pointed others to Christ. Her faith was unwavering, evident not only in the words she spoke but in the life she faithfully lived. She trusted God completely, loved others deeply, and left behind an example of grace, humility, and steadfast devotion that will continue to shape generations to come. I've been very blessed, she would've said.

She is survived by her adoring family who will forever cherish her memory:

Brother: Bob (Betty) McCormick

Children: Linda (Bill Jr.) Hickey, Mary McCaskey, Gregory (Teresa) McCaskey, and Judy McCaskey

Grandchildren: Matthew (Valencia) Hickey, Mark (Rachel) Hickey, Dakota McCaskey Hodges, and Ty (Sophie) McCaskey

Great-grandchildren: Brantley Hickey, Eli Hudson, Brooks Hickey, Wyatt Hodges, and Evie Hodges

Many nieces, nephews, family and friends who she adored.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, John T. McCaskey, her sister, Rama Jean McCormick, and her brothers, James (Bernita) McCormick and Billy (Carolyn) McCormick.

A celebration of Illa's life and unwavering faith will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Hunter's Funeral Home, with Pastor Frank Derrick officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 – 1:00, until time of service.

Pallbearers are Greg McCaskey, Bill Hickey, Matt Hickey, Mark Hickey, Ty McCaskey and Brantley Hickey.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she has heard the words she lived her life to receive: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her love will remain woven into the lives of all who knew her, and her legacy of faith, kindness, and unfaltering devotion to family will endure for generations.