Chesney Patience Gholson

To join the livestream of Chesney's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream will begin at 10:55 A.M. Thursday, October 16, 2025. The broadcast of the service will be archived for 90 days for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2MDM1NzQzMjM4NDM4MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Chesney Patience Gholson, age 15 years, the beloved daughter of Rodney and Kari Beth Gholson, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, October 11, 2025, at 1:45 A.M. at her home. At the time of her passing, Chesney was surrounded by members of her loving family. Chesney was born June 27, 2010 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. She was the first child born to Rodney and Kari Beth (Akridge) Gholson. In addition to her parents, Chesney is survived by: her brother – Rex Gholson of Vienna, Illinois; her maternal grandparents – Dr. Don & Joyce Akridge of Vienna; aunts & uncles – Christine Meade of Vienna, Illinois, Carolyn (Don) Foster of Arizona City, Arizona, Roger Gholson of Buckeye, Arizona, and Dan (Jennifer) Akridge of Vienna, Illinois; as well as cousins, other relatives, her church family and many dear friends. Chesney was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents – Rev. William “Bill” & Pauline Gholson. Chesney was a sophomore at Vienna High School, where she had been active in the F.F.A. Chapter, Youth For Christ (Y.F.C.), and 4-H. Chesney earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and was a student of Wartrace Martial Arts in Vienna. Chesney enjoyed many activities. She was skilled at sewing and handcrafts, such as crochet. Chesney also designed and created her own patterns in order to craft handmade purses. She was very musical and particularly enjoyed music from the 1970’s and 1980’s eras. Chesney was a self-taught guitarist. At heart, however, Chesney enjoyed the country life and was a true pioneer girl. She relished being a self-styled “chicken farmer.” She was an avid reader and particularly treasured the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She also enjoyed The Waltons, television series. Chesney was a faithful member of the Vienna First Baptist Church, where she was involved in the youth ministry. Chesney was a truly inspiring young woman. She was a constant source of positivity, hope and encouragement. She leaves a legacy of love to all who were privileged to know her. A funeral service honoring the life of Chesney Gholson will be conducted Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 301 N. 7th Street, Vienna, Illinois. Pastor Brian Lingle, Pastor Scott Sparks, and Pastor Tom Gray will officiate. A eulogy will be offered by Mike McCormick. Interment will follow on the family farm, north of Vienna. Visitation will be conducted Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, from 10 A.M. until the service hour at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to: The First Baptist Church (Youth Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995; Vienna High School FFA Chapter, c/o VHS, 601 North 1st Street, Vienna, Illinois 62995; Wartrace Martial Arts, 355 Reevesville Road, Grantsburg, Illinois 62943 ; Vienna High School - YFC (Youth For Christ) Chapter or the Vienna High School 4-H Chapter, c/o VHS, 601 N. 1st Street, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Chesney Patience Gholson

June 27, 2010 - October 11, 2025