Lawrence Emerson
Lawrence Emerson, 83, of Normal, passed away at 2:42 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Marigold Rehab and Health Care Center in Galesburg.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Bloomington with Rev. Dr. Phenues Bush officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington.
Interment will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Full Military Rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lawrence was born on May 15, 1931 in Jackson, Tenn., a son of Atlas and Addie Hankins Emerson. He married Thelma Majors on Nov. 20, 1954 in Hopkinsville, Ky.
Surviving is his wife, Thelma of Normal; four daughters, Yvonne (Bob) Wright of Lebannon, Ky., Vadetta Mathews of Normal, Arlesia (Gary) Duffy of Normal, Jackie (Kirk) Darling of Garland, Texas; five grandchildren, Melissa Wright, Lawrence Duffy, Lindsey Harrison, Rachel Darling and Marissa Matthews. Also surviving are a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Josh, Robert, Lorene, Josephine, Christine, Symyra, Pearl, Sarah and Maddie.
Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Army for over 23 years, serving during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He received a Silver Star for his service in Vietnam. Lawrence also received an Army Commendation Medal for Professional Competence in food service.
He was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized in Hopkinsville, KY at First Street Baptist Church as a young adult.
Lawrence loved children and driving the school bus for many years. He volunteered serving Peace Meals and also enjoyed cooking. Lawrence was a friendly, caring person, ‘He never met a stranger’. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Online condolences and tributes may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Anna Mowery
Anna Margaret Mowery, 91 of Fairbury, passed away at 3:25 p.m., Jan. 17 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Her funeral service will be 2 p.m., Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury with Pastor Floyd Blackard and Pastor Charles McDonald officiating. Interment will follow in Avoca Township Cemetery, rural Fairbury. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Friday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury; SELCAS or Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.
Mrs. Mowery was born on Feb. 20, 1923 in rural Fairbury; the daughter of Harry and Elsie (Martensen) Newnam. She married Ross E. Mowery on May 9, 1943 in Fairbury. He passed away on Aug. 28, 2005. Her parents, one brother, three sisters and one great-great grandson preceded her in death.
Survivors include two sons, Jim (Vicki) Mowery of Parker, Colo.; Kevin Mowery of Long Beach, Calif.; one daughter, Sharon (Ken) Fitzgerald of Lewiston, Idaho; six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.
Mrs. Mowery was a 1941 graduate of Fairbury Township H.S. She was a member of the Cheerful Givers and Christian Builders, both of Fairbury; and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury.
Anna Margaret and her husband Ross owned and operated Mowery Shoe Service in Fairbury for 36 years. She loved needle-point, crafts and gardening. But above all she loved spending time with her family who will miss her deeply.
An online guest book is available to leave messages and condolences to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.