Leona I. McPherson

Herrin- Leona Inez (Martin) McPherson, age 83, of Herrin, passed away at 7:35 PM, Sunday, November 11, 2007 at her home in Herrin. Leona was born in Wildorado, Texas on August 17, 1924, the daughter of James Thomas and Lannie B. (Crawford) Martin. She married Joel Watson McPherson, the love of her life, on April 22, 1942 in Elk City, Oklahoma. Together, they shared sixty-two years of marriage, until his death on April 27, 2004. Mrs. McPherson worked at an airplane factory during World War II, but gave up this job when her husband returned from the war. She spent her life as a homemaker raising five children, whom she devoted her life to. Leona was a cub scout leader, girl scout leader, and baseball coach who was well known for her Halloween popcorn balls. She enjoyed slumber parties with her grandchildren and loved the laughter and noise of her great-grandchildren. Mrs. McPherson was of Baptist faith and was a member of the Herrin Senior Citizens. Survivors include: Four Sons and Daughters-In-Law- Joel and Erma McPherson of Amarillo, Texas Jesse and Victoria McPherson of Herrin, IL Frank and Nora McPherson Pasadena, Texas Neal Ray McPherson of Herrin, IL One Daughter and Son-In-Law- Judy and Darrell Spiller of Energy, IL Twelve Grandchildren- Joella McPherson of Amarillo, Texas Amy and Kelly Reed of Panhandle, Texas Brent and Kristen McPherson of Abilene, Texas Kerri and Roy Krasselt of Herrin, IL Dara Spiller of Herrin, IL Shelley Spruell and David Hughes of Herrin, IL Jessica and Charles Gaither of Benton, IL Jana and Aaron Botello of Pasadena, Texas John McPherson of Pasadena, Texas Lanie and Chad Barbee of Louisville, KY Brittany and Jared Crumby of Nashville, TN Joel Burns McPherson of Marion, IL Thirteen Great Grandchildren- Jordan and Kaylee Buck; Taylor and Brendan McPherson; Logan and Samantha Krasselt; Heather, Bobby, and Adam Alexander Lee Botello; Ananiah and Isabella Barbee; Zachary and Adriana Spruell One sister and brother-in-law- Jimmie Lee and Jerry Franz of Arizona Brother-In-Law- Oliver and Gwen McPherson of Newark, Delaware Sister-In-Law- Ada Muxo of Acore, FL Former Daughters-In-Law- Christy Wickam of Herrin and Kim Carlton of Marion, IL Special Cousin- Viola Brohlin of Texas Special Neighbor- Violet Kemp of Herrin, IL Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband- Joel; one brother-James Thomas Martin, Jr.; and four sisters- Lena Marie Oldham, Maxine Dearing, Eula Marie, and Delores Knight. The funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 15, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Pastor Ed Hoke will officiate and Jesse McPherson will give the eulogy. Burial will follow at Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Herrin First United Methodist Church- Fruit Basket Fund or the Methodist Mens Fish Fry Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com