Sister Celeste L. Talley was born on June 23, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to Reverend Spellman and Sister Thelma Lowe. She departed this life at the age of 72, in her home in Normal, Illinois.

Sister Celeste Talley married Deacon Isaac Talley in 1983 in Detroit, MI. Unto them was born a beautiful daughter, Sandra O. Talley (Hopson). Later, they moved to Plano, TX. Eventually, Sister Celeste moved back to Illinois with her daughter and enjoyed being
close to family again.

Throughout her professional career, she held many positions. Notably, Sister Celeste worked for the US Department of Agriculture for the last 22 years as a Program Technician. Sister Celeste was a pillar in the Israel of God's Church. She was a faithful member in Sycamore where Bishop Joseph Thomas was her pastor, and for some years she served as a member of the housing committee. Sister Celeste took each assignment very seriously. She had the spirit of a missionary, going about spreading good will throughout the connection and to all those who she met. She had a passion for making meaningful, impactful relationships with members of the church as well as the community. An active choir member in the Israel of God's Church, we will miss her strong distinctive alto voice.

Sister Celeste moved to Normal, IL after years of living in Sycamore, IL to be closer to her daughter. She transferred her membership to the Israel of God's Church in Danville, IL where her pastor was Reverend Jason Henton. She was a member of the Danville congregation until her death.

Sister Celeste also worked for Von Maur Department Store seasonally as a gift wrapper, which she fondly called her "fun job." This job was a testament to the giving spirit she had. She was always making and sending cards and thoughtful gifts to her loved ones and others she knew in the community. She had a special gift for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. She made sure that she was present for
every wedding, graduation, church event, outing and conference. Her presence will be greatly missed throughout the Israel of God's Church and the community.

The Talley family is especially thankful to Sister Celeste for the unconditional support and love she gave to Mother Eva Talley.
Sister Celeste was preceded in death by both parents and her older sister, Mother Thelma Bridgewater. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Sandra O.(Derek) Hopson, grandchildren Ariana Hopson and Alexander Hopson, and one sister, Sylvia Harris, along with a host of nieces and nephews. She had numerous extended family members and loved ones that she considered family and loved as her very own. If you are reading this, you are most likely one of them.

There will be a walk through visitation on Saturday, December 12th from 4:00-6:00 PM at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. Social distancing and facial coverings enforced. A limit of 10 guests in the funeral home at one time- to comply with the IDPH COVID requirements.

A private service will take place on Sunday. It will be closed to the public, but you can live stream the funeral service https://youtu.be/ymeoHHpdjU4

A private burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery on Monday.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com