Zetta "Emmaline" Caldwell

Zetta “Emmaline” Caldwell, age 74, of Sumner, Illinois, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, in Vincennes, Indiana. She was born June 21, 1951 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the daughter of Herbert Raymond Caldwell and Imo Frances Jones Caldwell.

Zetta was employed by the State of Illinois Department of Revenue, AMF in Olney, and Consolidated Communications in Mattoon. She was a devoted member of Sumner Community Church and previously served as a youth sponsor for the Mattoon Church. Throughout her life, Zetta was deeply involved in church activities, serving as chairperson of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee for both the Sumner Community Church and the Mattoon Church, and as co-chair of the Sumner Community Church directory committee. She also enjoyed serving as a cook for the Frog and Dawg Children’s Program, where her kindness and enthusiasm touched many lives.

Zetta had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed playing the piano, singing in the choir, and quilting. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and found great joy in traveling and taking cruises. She was an avid fan of Illinois basketball and Red Hill Saluki basketball and especially looked forward to her annual Christmas shopping weekend with her girlfriends—a tradition she held dear.

Preceding Zetta in death were her parents; siblings, Sidney Lee Caldwell, Lottie Leverett, and Dicey Lovejoy.

Survivors include: brothers, Alvin Caldwell of Sumner, and Herbert Caldwell of Sumner; four nephews, Matthew Crist, Courtney Crist, Christopher Caldwell, and Nicholas Caldwell; one niece, Jennifer Caldwell.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 4 at 11:00 A.M. CST at Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner, Illinois. Visitation will be on Monday, November 3 from 3:30 PM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Sumner Cemetery.