Phyllis Maxine Emery

Phyllis “Maxine” Emery, 86, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Maxine was born July 6, 1935, to parents William Aud Gower and Pearl Mae Owens in Marion, IL.
Maxine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. She was one of the first members of the local Home Extension Group, where she remained a member for 57 years. Maxine loved quilting, laughing, and telling stories. She enjoyed spending time at Marion Senior Citizens Center, as well as her Tuesday Morning Coffee Group. Maxine loved to travel, camp, work on crafts, host tea parties, and to cook. She loved to spend time with her family and would light up when she saw her grandbabies. Her family knew they could go to her for anything, and she would be waiting with open arms and a listening ear.

Maxine is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lester Emery, and their seven children. Sons and daughters-in-law Keith (Sharon) Emery, Bruce (Debbie) Emery, Bart (Julie) Emery. Daughters and sons-in-law Crystal (Delbert) Bargo, Cindy (Robert) Hutchcraft, Amanda (Randy) Barnes, Holly (Dave) Lightholder. Grandchildren include, Brande (Kevin) Verble, Brian (Crystal) Emery, Susie (Devon) Newsome, Carrie Emery (Kinsley Kilpatrick), Mollie Emery, Audrey Emery, Caitlin (Dennis) Taul, Clinton Hubbs, Kelsey (Nick) Boles, Luke Bargo, Victoria (Nathanial) Volarath, Austin Lightholder.
Great Grandchildren include Logan, Tristan, Brodie, Bailey, Jaxon, Rylee, Silas, Liam, Amaya, Madelynn, Isabella, Nathaniel. Siblings include sister Shirley and Danny Summers, sister Linda Clark, sister-in law Delores and Earl Ray Dungey, and many nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Mackie”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Virgil Gower, Audie Gower, Paul Gower, Mickey Gower, Johnnie Gower; sister Dorothy Loyd, granddaughter; Autumn Kelly.

Visitation will be Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4 – 7 pm and from 2 pm until the time of service on Saturday at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 3 pm with Rev. Ivan Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.

For those who prefer memorials may be made to Residential Hospice. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.