Audra Lee Curtis, age 90, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

      She was born October 26, 1935, in Piedmont, Missouri, the daughter of James William and Annie (Davison) Worley.  She was united in marriage to Clois L. Curtis on June 11, 1949, in Olney, and together they shared 47 wedding anniversaries until his death on January 5, 1997.

      Audra attended Olney Central College, where she pursued nursing, and went on to dedicate many years working as a cook in local nursing homes.  A talented and hardworking woman, she also owned and operated several restaurants in Flora and the surrounding communities where her cooking brought joy to many.  She was an exceptional baker, known for creating elaborate wedding cakes, and a gifted seamstress who lovingly made clothing for her family as well as beautiful wedding dresses.

      She found great happiness in simple pleasures—gardening, tending to her flowers and vegetables, and spending time exploring yard sales and auctions.  Audra was of the Pentecostal faith and attended Full Gospel Chapel in Johnsonville and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

      She had a vibrant personality and a love for life, enjoying shopping, fast cars, and anything that sparkled.  Among her proudest achievements was winning first place in a cooking contest in Texas, where she was personally presented an award by fitness icon Jack LaLanne.

      She is survived by her 3 daughters: Wanda (Johnny) Hollinsworth of Xenia, Janice (Dale) Cantrell of Xenia, and Tina Curtis of Xenia; 2 sons: Kevin “Bo” Curtis of Xenia and Tony (Sandy) Curtis of Flora; grandchildren: Juanita (Ed) Petit of Wentzville, Missouri, Kim (Justin) Stanford of Foristell, Missouri, Alisha Hollinsworth of Xenia, Johnny (Tammy) Hollinsworth of Xenia, Chad (Rebecca) Cantrell of Flora, Brad (Dana) Cantrell of Maryland, Phillip (Kristy) Hart of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Curtis Hart (Aubrey) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Amanda (Preston) Peterson of Flora, and Kevin (Jessica) Curtis of Louisville; 28 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law: Wanda Worley of Lexington, Oklahoma, Ginger Worley of Sandoval, Connie Worley of Centralia, and Nancy Worley of Cisne.       

      She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband; a son: Orlen Laverne Curtis; a granddaughter: Alechia Roosevelt; a great-grandson: Dalton Snell; an infant great-granddaughter: Joss Stanford; and siblings: Rosa May Worley, Dollie Geneva (Ted) Dickerson, Lula Viola Worley, Mary Eleen (Lee) Skaggs, Ina Mae (Bob) Haltenhoff, Ruby Jane (Clinard) Curtis, Bernice Worley, Ollie Jean (Joe) Rios, Tressie Estell (George) Harrington, James William (Kay) Worley Jr., Norman Leon Worley, Edward Earl Worley, Theordore Lawrence Worley, and Stephen Ray Worley.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Mark Luzadder officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Mound Cemetery, Xenia.  A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com