Vernice L Myers

MARQUETTE HEIGHTS ~ Vernice Lucille Myers, 84, of Marquette Heights, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at 1:35 a.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Born July 20, 1926 in Pittsfield to James Faris and Muriel Ellen (Peecher) Higdon, she married Alva LeRoy Myers on December 25, 1945 in St. Louis, MO. LeRoy preceded her in death on January 20, 1985.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and one brother, Leslie Higdon.

Surviving are one son, David Myers of Marquette Heights; one daughter, Nora (Gene Naaktgeboren) Heruth of Marquette Heights; two grandsons, Kyle (Susan) Heruth, Cody Myers, both of Pekin; two granddaughters, Nikki Heruth of Marquette Heights, Dusty (Ben) Cornelius of Keokuk, IA; her precious great-grandchildren, Kylie, Payten, Brolan, Brandon and Braden; one brother, Donald (Rena) Higdon of Marquette Heights; one sister, Imogene Cross of Nicholasville, KY; a special niece, Rene (Don) Westlake of Morton and many other nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Lucille worked as a seamstress at Country Bride for 21 years, then at Bridal Suite for three years before retiring. After retiring, she did seamstress work in her home. She loved to crochet and her family will treasure the many throws and hand towels that she so lovingly made for them. She loved to cook for her family and they will all miss her “best in the world” macaroni and cheese and chicken and noodles.

A charter member of First Baptist Church Marquette Heights for over fifty years, Lucille loved her church and loved her Lord. She read the entire Bible three times and was working on the fourth. She always made sure to keep the church flower arrangements updated for the changing seasons and holidays. She was a very loving and forgiving person who always had a smile on her face and a kind word. She lived her life the way she felt a true Christian should. She was strong in her faith and her courage, strength and sweet smile will be missed. Her life revolved around the church, her children and grandchildren. She also loved working in her yard and garden and she had an extensive elephant collection.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 17, 2011at First Baptist Church Marquette Heights. The Rev. Ken Klein will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin and from 9:30 to 10 a.m., Thursday at the church. Burial will be next to her beloved LeRoy in Griggsvile Cemetery, in Griggsville, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Marquette Heights, 410 LaSalle Blvd, Marquette Heights, 61554.

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