Lily Marie Gottman

Born August 10, 1930 in Loogootee to Robert Melvin and Geneva Mae (Underwood) Perry, she married Frank Eugene Gottman on June 1, 1948 in St. Elmo. He died July 13, 2000 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Shirley England and Angela Beth Gottman; one grandson, Gordon Shirley and Harold Barney, her companion of many years following her husband’s death.

Surviving are two sons, Robert "Gene" (Nancy) Gottman of Creve Coeur and Larry (Christine) Gottman of Pekin; one daughter, Bonnie Shirley of North Pekin; eight grandchildren, Tiffany (Robert) Clark, Jesse (Rachel) Shirley, Josh Sloan, Timothy Gottman, Matthew Gottman, Christine (Reed) Wallbom, Tonya (Jeremie) Davis and Daniel (Anita) England. She also leaves a son-in-law, Rev. Gary England of Pekin.

Lily spent many years as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, last working ten years at Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc. in Morton and retiring in 1995. Her very first job was as a car hop at Steak-n-Shake in Peoria and she also had worked as a teacher’s aide and for SuperX, Vogel’s and Szold’s.

She was a longtime member of Richland Southern Baptist Church in East Peoria and had attended The Journey Church in East Peoria. She was a faithful volunteer for many years at the Women’s Pregnancy Center in Peoria and was known for making blankets for Linus to bless children hospitalized at OSF St. Francis. She also had been a foster mom for many kids.

In earlier years, she enjoyed stock car racing and was named Woman Driver of the Year in 1963. She was named among the Legends of Mt. Hawley and was a member of the Peoria Speedway Hall of Fame. It was once said that if you wanted to know the shortest way around the track to ask Lily.

Lily loved animals, enjoyed gardening, was an avid quilter and bowled all of her life.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Brock Winkler and Rev. Gary England, her son-in-law, will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Home, 2130 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603 or to South Side Mission, 1127 S. Laramie, Peoria, IL 61605.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com