Alicia Kay Cremeens

Alicia Kay Cremeens, 43, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Burial is in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin after 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to a scholarship fund for her daughter, in care of Joseph Upton. 

Alicia was born on December 8, 1981, in Carbondale, to Ronald Eugene and Deborah Lynn (Messer) Cremeens. She married Joseph Leland Upton on October 24, 2009, in Carbondale.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Upton; the light of her life, daughter, Layla Kay Upton; parents, Ron and Debbie Cremeens; in-laws, Rick and Debbie Upton; sister, Michelle (K.T.) Taylor; sister-in-law, Melissa (Ben) Henson; nieces and nephews, Zoe and Ally Taylor, and Maddy, Alex, Zach, and Katy Henson; plus several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Alicia began her career as a CT/MRI technician, completing a clinical rotation at the Mayo Clinic. She went on to work as a Physician Assistant for Dr. Sherry Jones, who specialized in OB/GYN care, for over ten years and also worked with Dr. Nader Dababneh, who specialized in GI care. Most recently, she was a dedicated instructor in the Radiologic Sciences Program at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale.

Outside of her professional life, Alicia loved coaching her daughter's soccer team and treasured time spent with her family. She also enjoyed shopping, traveling, crafting, and sewing in her free time.

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