Minnie Kennon

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Minnie Lena Dickerson Kennon, 81, of Murphysboro went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, after a long battle with lung disease, under the loving care of Dr. Ana Migone and the staff at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

Minnie was born to Harry and Rosie King Dickerson Nov. 26, 1927, in Ironton, Mo. She married Raney Sellers in 1942, who preceded her in death. She married Lester Kennon on March 21, 1952. They resided in rural Perryville, Mo., until his death July 26, 1968.

Minnie loved to go fishing, grow a vegetable garden, listen to country and Christian music, cook, do needlepoint, read her Bible and nurture those she loved.

Survivors include three children, Bonnie (Sellers) Lefler of Chester, Ill., Robert "Bob" Sellers of Farmington, Mo., Cathy Kennon (Terry) Lilley of Murphysboro; a sister, Nellie Horn (Stan) Starkweather; a sister-in-law, Mae Dickerson; six grandchildren, Roger (Wendy) Eggemeyer Jr., Greg Eggemeyer and fiancee Molly Hopkins, Krissy Lefler and fiance Brandon Bess, Salena (Joshus) Ward, Bobby (Elsa) Sellers and Steven Lilley.

Also 16 great-grandchildren, Rick and Denny Eggemeyer, Dwayne Greer, Joey, Zach, and Danny Johnson, Caitlin Eggemeyer, Isiah and Kaya Hecht, Dax Bess, Tyra Lefler, Kole Sumptner, Gauge, Dillon, Serenity Ward and Alexis Sellers; and a great-great-grandson, Ethan Greer.

In addition to her parents, Minnie was preceded in death by dearly loved husband Lester Kennon; brothers Troy Dickerson and Floyd "Tom" Dickerson; sisters-in-law Pauline Dickerson and Ruth "Gladine" Dickerson; a granddaughter, Terry Eggemeyer Rubke; stepsons Bobby and Donald Kennon.

Minnie loved life! She had a great sense of humor and brought joy to those around her. She affected many people by her kindness and touched lives wherever she went. Everyone was richer for knowing her.

Daughter Cathy remembers people her mother encountered, saying how wonderful and caring Minnie was. "I couldn't have been prouder. She was the best Mom a person could ask for. It was time for God to take Mom and she leaves behind countless memories. Although I will miss her tremendously, I want to celebrate her life. She was the perfect example of unconditional love."

Minnie's family was able to spend time with her in her final days and was by her side as she was lifted by the hands of Jesus into heaven. Besides knowing she was cherished here on Earth, she always knew God's love and it got her through life's hardships. She was a very strong person and beat the odds many years.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Deacon Gary Hart officiating. Graveside service will be at Whitewater Christian Church Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her beloved husband Lester.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that remembrances be made to the American Lung Association or charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.

Minnie's family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the love, support and especially prayers they have given to Minnie and her family. May God bless.