Mary Ann Birdsell, 86, of Jacksonville, IL died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at her home. She was born July 17, 1935, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Kenneth Lee and Willmeth L. Murray Ritchie. She married Everett T. Birdsell Jr. on Oct. 12, 1952, at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville and he survives. She is also survived by two daughters and one son, Judi McGath of Murrayville, Jacquie (Willie) Stewart of Jacksonville, and Doug (Karmen) Birdsell of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Florence "Marie" Giffin; and a son-in-law, Bob McGath. Mrs. Birdsell was a longtime member of First Baptist, where she served on the Fellowship Commission, led the BYF, and was active with Doorbell Dinners. She had a green thumb, and enjoyed cooking, and playing the piano and organ. Mary Ann enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals with Junior, and she especially loved her grandchildren. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, with burial at Ebenezer Cemetery. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boys Town, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the Jacksonville Salvation Army. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. . Visitation First Baptist Church Monday, October 25, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1701 Mound Road Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 Funeral Service First Baptist Church Monday, October 25, 2021 11:00 AM 1701 Mound Road Jacksonville, Illinois 62650