Virginia Sue

Fishback

Virginia Sue Fishback, of Jacksonville, Illinois was born May 25, 1950, to William Martin “Bill” and Virginia Van Doren (Thompson) Fishback. She passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Springfield. She grew up in Springfield and Jacksonville, graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1968. She attended Illinois College and began her teaching career shortly after. Her love of math and problem-solving is demonstrated in everything she did very humanly: Everything was solvable with numbers, and also with compassion. Sue spent the majority — and last part — of her career at Jacksonville High School. Later, she tutored math at JHS. In outside settings, she tutored students and adults preparing for tests.

Identifying the ways in which people learn well and making their needs understood was more than a career; it was her calling. She was a champion for her students’ needs. Sue was a dedicated member of Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was a lover of animals, sharing her home with several dogs and cats through her lifetime. At various times, she rescued animals in need, and made their lives immeasurably better. An any given night, you would likely run into her at a concert, playing tambourine and passing around the tip jar. She was revered by the local community for her passion, and always will be.

Stroll up to her house some random afternoon, and, with immense hospitality, she would invite you in for coffee and stories you would never forget. Maybe even cook you dinner. She loved cooking, especially for others. Community at the bedrock of everything. She didn’t hate anything or anyone, she loved being here, she loved her family and friends, and she made everyone’s’ livers better and warmer by being around her. We should all hope to do the same.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother William Martin Fishback, Jr. Sue is survived by her nephew, William Robert “Bill” Fishback, and niece, Kristen Ann (Chris Siebeneck) Fishback.

Cremation rites have been administered. There will be a private Celebration of Life gathering, and a private family burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to PAWS of Jacksonville, The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville will be overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.