Grace Lorraine Cafin

Grace Lorraine Cafin, 94, of Duncanville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. Born on January 3, 1930, in Chauncey, IL, Grace was the daughter of Jesse & Viola (Hopkins) Gowin. Her life began on her family’s 80-acre farm in the Klondike area, where hard work was a way of life and long winters were spent learning to crochet under her mother’s careful instruction.

Grace’s steadfast spirit carried her through the seasons of life. She married the love of her life, Clinton “Cal” Cafin, on her 18th birthday, January 3, 1948. Together, they raised their children, Linda, Larry, and Carrol, and built a life rooted in love and resilience. Though Cal passed away in 1982, Grace’s strength and steady resolve became the foundation her family relied on. She lived out her faith with quiet strength and profound conviction, finding a spiritual home as a longtime member of the Hebron Road Church of Christ, where she built meaningful connections and a steadfast trust in God.

In her younger years, Grace worked at a sewing factory in Lawrenceville before dedicating herself to raising her family. Later, she worked at Fair Rite and spent 25 years as a janitor alongside Cal at the Robinson Elks Lodge. After he died, travel became one of Grace’s great joys. Whether embarking on bus trips with her daughters Carrol and Linda to Mount Rushmore, Savannah, or Maine, visiting her grandson Jonathon on base in San Antonio, or venturing to Mammoth Cave with her son Larry, Grace was always ready for the adventure. Her family treasures memories of these trips and her unwavering enthusiasm for hitting the road—always eager to see what new sights awaited.

Grace’s creativity shone in her handiwork. A talented crocheter, she lovingly crafted baby clothes, hats, and scarves and even earned a ribbon at the county fair for her intricate Last Supper filet crochet. She had an eye for beauty, evident in her wild rose bushes that she fiercely protected, and a knack for transforming thrifted treasures into beloved keepsakes. Her love of knick-knacks and Beanie Babies filled her home with warmth and charm. Despite life’s challenges, Grace remained kind, resourceful, and unwaveringly supportive of her family. She thrived on conversation, pursued connection, and always found a way to make the best of what she had. Her family takes comfort in knowing that, while her earthly journey has ended, by the grace of God, her story continues into eternity.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Rose Cafin; by her daughter & son-in-law, Carrol & Glen Gosnell; by her son-in-law, Wendall Watts; and by several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who carry forward her legacy of love and resilience. In addition to her parents and husband, Grace was preceded in death by her siblings, Virginia Holley, Fern Miller, Bessie Gowin, Jesse Eugene Gowin, Carolyn Lee Gowin, Carol Dee Gowin, and Walter L. Gowin; her daughter, Linda Watts; and her grandson, Brian Watts.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Bill Greenwood, and Grace will be laid to rest in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the “Robinson Elks #1188 Christmas Basket Fund,” and memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.