Murdie Sue Killam

She was born March 7,1933, in Hickman, KY, the daughter of Jim Ed Harbin and Murdie Sue (Henson) Harbin. She married Lester Marvel Killam on January 20, 1955, in Mississippi. He preceded her in death by six months.

She is survived by a daughter, Cheryl (husband Mark) Matkovich of Peoria, IL; Betty Michele (husband, Juan) Maldonado of Morganton, NC; a son, David (wife, Alicia) Killam of Eureka, IL; four grandchildren, Mark (Kalynn) Matkovich Jr of Canton, IL, Elizabeth (James) Luneke of Wiesbaden, Germany, Logan (Dani) Maldonado of Hawaii and Mallory (Lawrence) Killam-Davis of Bloomington, IL. She also leaves behind a legacy of 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by son-in-law Mark Matkovich; brothers, Roy Kirk and Willard Harbin; and sisters, Hettie (Harbin) Davison and Betty (Harbin)Berry.

In 1950, she moved from Kentucky to Peoria with her sister, brother in law and parents, again with the promise of work at the Caterpillar plant in East Peoria for my uncle. She met Lester at the diner where she worked and eloped with him January 20, 1955, to Mississippi.

She had a strong faith in God and was an amazing homemaker. For many years she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader in Farmington and was the choral director for her local church for many years.

For relaxation, she had an amazing garden in the summer. In the winter, beautiful hand quilted quilts would be created along with colorful afghans. Her crafts were a joy to behold. Up until the end, she showed his love and devotion for her husband of 67 years. She is now dancing with my dad in Heaven.

Murdie’s funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday August 16, 2022, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Girl Scouts of America. Online condolences may be made to Sue’s family at www.davison-fulton.com.