Jackolyn C. (Banks) Protz

Jackolyn C. Protz, 72, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019, in an auto accident near Hillsboro, IL.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 23, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL, with Chaplains Scottie Wilson and Lee Taylor, officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, November 22, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, prior to the service, at the church. Memorials: Racers For Christ. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

She was born July 29, 1947, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Delbert G. & Helen M. (Cordray) Banks. Married William H. Protz on June 6, 1965, Sullivan, IL, he passed away November 16, 2019. 

She retired as deputy clerk of both the Moultrie County Clerk and the Moultrie County Assessor's offices. She continued to work between the two offices part-time. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Sullivan, IL and a chaplain for Racers for Christ. 

Jackie was a fan of drag racing with her husband Bill, and became one of the few female drivers in the sport in the area. She, like her granddaughter Jenna, loved seeing win lights against the boys. She was a member of the Coles County Dragway Hall of Fame and was the 2015 Person of the Year award recipient at Crossroads Dragway. 

She followed every sport her son Randy participated in at Sullivan and at MacMurray College. She's been a fan of the Vandalia Vandals since 1994 when her son began coaching and teaching. She and husband Bill have been fixtures at Vandalia sports following their granddaughters' teams since the very beginning. 

She loved trips with her Yayas to the beach, frequent phone calls and messages with her best friends and being with her family every chance she could. She loved reggae music, snowmen, University of Alabama football, the American flag and sending silly SnapChat messages to her granddaughters.  She just wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves and to love life. 

She is survived by: Son - Randy Protz & Janel, Vandalia, IL; Granddaughter - Brandy Michelle Protz, Vandalia, IL; Brothers - David Rex Banks & Beverly, Springfield, IL and Phillip Gene Banks & Glenda, Sullivan, IL. 

Preceded in death by: Parents; Husband; and Granddaughter - Jenna Protz.

Do a Wheelie! 

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