Julia Elizabeth Gordon Romeo

	Julia Elizabeth Gordon Romeo, formerly of Pinckneyville and DuQuoin, passed away at 12:45 p.m. in Orange, Calif. on Sunday, March 5, 2000 at the IHS Convalescent Home.
  The daughter of Edward Wm. and Sophie M. (Hepp) Gordon, Julie was born July 18, 1910 in Pinckneyville.  She married Frank Romeo of DuQuoin on May 5, 1934 in Pinckneyville.  They made their home in DuQuoin until 1957 when the family moved to Orange, Calif.  Frank and Julie celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary before Frank passed away on September 23, 1996.  A daughter, Marlene Frances; brothers, Lawrence, Kenneth, Maurice and Gerald and sister, Ruth Neal of DuQuoin preceded her in death.
	Julie is survived by her children, Carole Huhn of Orange, CA, Frank Bud Romeo of Orange, CA and Gloria Jeffrey of Orange, CA and grandchildren, Frank Romeo III, Robin Romeo, Kristi Huhn Crisp, Tim Huhn and Melissa Jeffrey.
	Julies pioneer family was instrumental in the founding of Perry County, beginning with her third great grandfather, Capt. John Gordon, a compatriot of Daniel Boone.  he was with General George Rogers Clark in 1778 during the Revolutionary War when Clarks Illinois regiment of the Virginia State Troops made their victorious march through Southern Illinois, including Perry County, to Kaskaskia and on to Vincennes, capturing these pivotal British-held forts.
	Her great great uncle, Dr. Humphrey Jones, was one of the founders of Pinckneyville as the county seat in 1827 after the state legislature formed the new county of Perry from parts of Randolph and Jackson counties.  Julies great grandparents, James E. Gordon (grandson of Capt. John Gordon) and wife Lucy A. Jones (sister of Humphrey) emigrated from Kentucky at the urging of Humphrey Jones during those early years.
	Julies grandfather, Pinckneyville Constable William Grayson Gordon, captured the notorious Missouri multiple murderer Sam Hildebrand in 1872.  The fearless Gordon, earlier a member of U.S. Grants Army of the Tennessee, captured the killer on a downtown Pinckneyville street, instantly achieving legendary status in Southern Illinois.
	Visitation was held at Neal-McClure Funeral Home at from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 10 with the Rosary being said at 6 p.m by Father Harry Jerome.  Friends were also able to call Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at which time visitation moved to the church.  
	Funeral services were at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11 at the Pinckneyville First Baptist Church on Mill Street with Rev. James Bush officiating.  Burial was at the IOOF Cemetery in DuQuoin.
