Abbie Kinser-Templin-Smith

1934 - 2009

Abbie Kinser-Templin-Smith, 75, of Jacksonville, died Sunday, June 21, 2009, at her residence.

She was born Feb. 11, 1934, in White Hall, the daughter of George Allen and Zella Marie DeShasier Lakin.

Abbie attended White Hall Elementary School and White Hall High School, graduating in 1952. She graduated from Hardin-Brown Business College in 1955 and received her Certified Professional Secretaries Degree in 1980.

Abbie and Charles Kinser were married in 1957. Charles preceded her in death in 1984. In 1988, Abbie and Dr. Raymond P. Templin were married, and he preceded her in death in 1989. Abbie and Charles "Don" Smith were married in 1991.

Abbie is survived by her husband, Don Smith of Jacksonville; her son, Kenneth B. Kinser of Chatham; her daughter, Mary Beth Kinser of Springfield; her grandson, Benjamin C. Kinser of Grand Forks, N.D.; her granddaughter, Kathryn Kinser of Chatham; sister-in-law, Betty Lakin of Murrayville; nephews, Stephen (wife, Mary Jo) Lakin and Eric (wife, Chris) Lakin, both of Murrayville, Michael A. (wife, Debbie) Thiebaud of Finney, Ky., and Tim H. (wife, Ellen) Thiebaud of Mokena; several grand-nieces, grand-nephews, stepchildren and stepgrandchildren; and her lifelong friend, Nancy Griswold Mansfield of White Hall.

Abbie was preceded in death by her brother, Don Lakin; two sisters, Marcella F. Lakin and Betty J. Thiebaud; and her granddaughter, Grace.

Abbie was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, presently a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Throughout her life, Abbie diligently served the communities she resided in. She was a lifelong member of the Republican Party, White Hall-Roodhouse Rainbow Girls, Postscript Club of Downers Grove, Ill., St. Paul Min. Chapter member of the Certified Professional Secretaries, North St. Paul, Minnesota Eastern Star, PEO Chapter EI member in White Bear Lake, Minn., and Jacksonville, Ladies Moose organization, Prairieland Heritage Museum, Jacksonville Circus Club (Byrd Family Tent), Past President and longstanding member of the Morgan County Republican Women. Abbie served on a number of boards and planning committees in the Jacksonville area. She served on the Board of Directors for the Crisis Center Foundation, served two years as Chairman and seven years on the Grierson Days Committee. She was co-founder with Janet Smith of the River Country Quilt Show, and also co-founded with Art Wilson the Underground Railroad Committee and Woodlawn Farm Museum. She was a founding member of the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Jacksonville Juneteenth Ujima, Inc.

Throughout her career, Abbie worked at White Hall Sewer Pipe and Stoneware Co., Colton Insurance Agency in Jacksonville, Rose Oil Co. in White Hall, Ill., Alexander and Co. Insurance in Downers Grove/Chicago, Ill., White Bear Lake Minnesota School District and 3M Company in St. Paul, Minn. She also worked as Executive Director of the Jacksonville Area Visitors and Convention Bureau and was devoted to promoting tourism in the Jacksonville area.

Abbie loved to entertain friends and family, playing bridge and many other social games. She loved to travel, listen to music, dance and cook. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren through the years.

Abbie's family will celebrate her life at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Friends may call after noon Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 4:30-7 p.m. Private burial services will be held at a later date at White Hall Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Jacksonville Juneteenth Ujima, Inc., Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, or the Underground Railroad Committee. Condolences may be made online at www.airsman-hires.com.