Mrs. Lois J. (Kemp) Parkinson

Lois J. Parkinson, 93, of Galesburg, died at 2:20 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 in the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

Lois was born February 8, 1925, in Galesburg, the daughter of Arnold and Ruth (Dillon) Kemp.  She lived her entire life in Galesburg.

She is survived by three daughters, Susan (Eddie) Kuehn of Naples, Florida, Nancy (Layton) Sandall of Galesburg, and Barbara Parkinson-Wood of Galesburg; five grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren with one on the way; and four great-great grandchildren with one on the way.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Rosemary; a grandson, Wes Stewart; a son-in-law, Patrick Wood; and three brothers.

Lois graduated from Galesburg High School in 1943 and Knox College in 1947.  She spent 19 years as a homemaker, raising her family.  She was instrumental in starting the library at Carl Sandburg College before becoming an elementary school teacher for Galesburg School District #205.  After 25 years of teaching, she retired in 1993. 

She was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority at Knox College, Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Home Extension, Round Table Study Club, and the Sewing Club.  She was the oldest lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was active with the Patience Circle and taught Sunday school for a number of years.  Lois was an avid reader and bird watcher.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 at the chapel with Pastor Mary Runge officiating.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Knox County Nursing Home, or Hospice Compassus.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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