Minnie Lena Kennon

MURPHYSBORO - Minnie Lena (Dickerson) Kennon, 81, died Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, in St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro after a long battle with lung disease under the loving care of Dr. Ana Migone and hospital staff.

Minnie was born to Harry and Rosie (King) Dickerson on 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, and 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.

Minnie is survived by her three children, Bonnie (Sellers) Lefler of Chester, Robert "Bob" Sellers of Farmington, Mo., and Cathy (Kennon) Lilley and husband, Terry, of Murphysboro. Minnie leaves sister, Nellie (Horn) Starkweather, and husband, Stan; sister-in-law, Mae Dickerson; six grandchildren, Roger Eggemeyer Jr. and wife, Wendy, Greg Eggemeyer and fiancée, Molly Hopkins, Krissy Lefler and fiancé, Brandon Bess, Salena Ward and husband, Joshua, Bobby Sellers and wife Elsa, and Steven Lilley; 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 one 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; granddaughter, Terry Eggemeyer Rubke; stepsons, Bobby Kennon 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," Cathy Lilley said.

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 for many years.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, in Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville, Mo., with Deacon Gary Hart officiating.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Graveside services will be in Whitewater Christian Church Cemetery 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.