Annette M. Farris

Annette M. Farris, 85, was born September 11, 1937 in Blue Island, Illinois. She was the youngest of three sisters; Asilee Hammonds, Irene Long and Alberta Randall and three brothers; Raymond, Fredrick and Odell Thomason.

At age 16, she heard the Word of God, believed and was saved at Friendship Baptist Church in Robbins, Illinois.

Annette was a graduate of Blue Island High School. She attended Bryant/Stratton Business College in Chicago. She was also a graduate of Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and attended Sangamon State University. She worked for the Federal Government for 39 ½ years.

Annette was joined in holy matrimony in 1957 to Theodore W. Rose where three children, Theodore, Karen and Cynthia, were born to this union. In 1970, her husband passed away and she later married Odie L. Farris in 1989.

In 1959, Annette and her family moved from Chicago to Springfield where she joined All Nation Tabernacle Church of God in Christ under the leadership of her father-in-law, Bishop Theodore T. Rose. She was a faithful member for 64 years and was appointed Church Mother in 2016. Annette was a member of the Greater All Nation Tabernacle Super Senior Praise Dance Troupe and was involved with the monthly Senior Luncheons.

Annette worked with the Urban League Guild and was involved with other social groups such as the Foxes, Squaws Inc and Red Hatters. She enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, bowling, gardening, working in her yard and making her famous homemade popcorn. Annette was an avid records keeper and kept dates and event information for over 60 years. She considered herself an “organized hoarder” and a very particular person where everything had to be in its proper place. She was always mindful to acknowledge special occasions of family and friends year after year. Annette was affectionately known as “Niney” to many – a name given to her by her oldest granddaughter Shatari.

Annette’s favorite scripture was “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Her favorite song was “I Won’t Complain.”

Annette was called home to be with the Lord on August 13th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, three sisters and three brothers.

Cherishing her memories are one son, Theodore (Carolyn) Rose of Springfield, IL; two daughters, Karen (Elvis) Wesson of Independence, MO, Cynthia (Darryl) Jones of Springfield, IL; seven grandchildren, LaDaryl (Brianna) Hale of Springfield, IL, Shatari Wesson of Houston, TX, Kenneth Rose of Atlanta, GA, Ariel Wesson of Independence, MO, Nicholas Jones of Springfield, IL, Jeri Wesson of Independence, MO and Taylour (Jagger) Anderson of Springfield, IL; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Annette wanted to give special thanks to Sandra Douglas for all she does for “her seniors”. Over the years, they worked closely during senior events and developed a loving bond. Not only did she consider Sandra a dear friend, but also as one of her daughters. “Keep up the good work Sandra for your labor is not in vain”.       

Funeral Services Friday August 25, 2023

Visitation:9:00am-10:00am

Service:10:00am-11:00am

Monroe Street Christian Church 

1229 East Monroe Street

Springfield, IL 62703

Bishop Roland T. Sanders Eulogist

Bishop Destinate Andrei V. Newbon Officiating 

Interment

Camp Butler National Cemetery 

at 12:00pm