Carsa Sue (Brinkley) Hedger

     Carsa Sue Hedger, 91, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. Born on June 6, 1933, in Muddy, Illinois, she was the daughter of Luther and Ernestine Brinkley.  

     Carsa grew up in Muddy alongside her siblings, Sadie Wasson, Mollijean Stephens Frazier, Ben Brinkley, and Robert Brinkley. She attended grade school in Muddy and graduated from Harrisburg High School. Following her education, she embarked on a career that included roles at the Saline County Clerk's office, Saline Valley First Federal Savings and Loan, and the Social Security Administration.  

     A gifted pianist, Carsa served as the pianist for McKinley Avenue Baptist Church for 18 years and lent her musical talents to countless weddings and funerals. Her love of music played a central role in her life and even led her to meet her future husband, Harvey Doyle Hedger, while both were members of a gospel quartet. They married on January 1, 1953, and shared a devoted union of 67 years until his passing in 2020. Together, they raised their son in Harrisburg before living in Springfield and Mount Vernon. Upon retirement, they returned to Harrisburg.  

     Carsa is survived by her son Mark Hedger and his wife Denise of Harrisburg; her grandson Gabe Hedger and fiancé' Sydney Troxler, of Columbia, Missouri; and her granddaughter Annie Hedger and husband, Robert Snyder, of University City, Missouri. She is also survived by nephews Ben R. Brinkley, James Brinkley, and Terry Brinkley; nieces Connie Peyton, Cindy Holderfield, Jill Holler, Carsa Stephens, Theresa Bremer, and Becky Brinkley. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; and two nieces, Joni Hutchcraft and Elise Ann Wasson.  

     A special thank you to the staff at The Villas of Hollybrook and to special friend, Robin Thompson Stricklin. 

     Carsa will be remembered for her faith, dedication to family and music, and the joy she brought to those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. 

    Funeral services for Carsa Hedger will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. Rev. Gary Clark and Rev. Ron Reed will officiate and burial will follow at Sunset Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12 PM to 2 PM, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to Finding Forever Animal Rescue, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959 and will be received at the funeral home. 

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