Laura "Nan" G. Bury

Laura Bury, lovingly known as “Nan,” passed away this weekend at the age of 96. Her long life was filled with family, hard work, laughter, music, and countless memories that will remain with

everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Laura was born in 1929 on McBean Street in Peoria, Illinois, to Benjamin and Beatrice Brakebill. She attended East Peoria High School and later went to cosmetology school. Illinois

remained her home throughout her 96 years, although she always enjoyed escaping the cold and spending time as a snowbird in Florida whenever she could.

At just 18 years old, Laura married the love of her life, Frank Bury, on November 1, 1947, at the old Methodist Church in East Peoria. Together, Laura and Frank shared 64 years of marriage—a

lifetime of love, family, and companionship—before his passing.

Laura was a dedicated and hardworking woman.

She spent 31 years at Hiram Walker, from 1951until 1982, beginning with a wage of $1.25 an hour. She also worked at Morton Community Bank as a community outreach financial advisor and at World Drug in Peoria. Wherever she worked and wherever she went, Laura had a gift for connecting with people and leaving a lasting

impression.

Nan was the heart of her family. Surviving are her two daughters, Cheryl A. Showalter of East Peoria and Marlene K. Dawdy of Pembroke Pines, Florida; two sons, Frank E. Bury of Peoria and Michael L. (Tracy) Bury of Jupiter, Florida; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

She was a fantastic cook, and the recipes and techniques she shared will continue to be prepared and passed down through the generations. Nan also loved playing poker and visiting casinos. She approached life with a wonderful sense of humor that remained unmistakably her own. When asked what song should be played at her funeral, she answered, without hesitation, Joe Diffie’s “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox.”

Music held a special place in Nan’s heart. Among her favorite singers were Patsy Cline— especially “Crazy”—and Alan Jackson. Songs that were especially meaningful to Nan and Frank,

affectionately known as PawPaw, included George Strait’s “Write This Down” and Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Nan would want nothing more than for those who loved her to think of her and smile whenever they hear those songs.

Laura was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; her brother, Ben; and her sister, Hanna. Nan will be profoundly missed here on Earth, but her family finds comfort and joy in knowing that she and PawPaw are together once again in Heaven. Her love, humor, strength, stories, and traditions will live on in all those whose lives she made better.

Laura’s funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Preston-Hanley, Creve Coeur Chapel. Pastor John Vaugh will officiate. Laura will be laid to rest in Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens alongside her husband.

To express condolences online, visit Preston-Hanley.com