Mrs. Audrey M. (Courson) Franklin

Audrey Mae Franklin, 76, of Abingdon, passed away at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. 

She was born May 6, 1942 in Abingdon, the daughter of T. Emery and Eleanor I. (Danner) Courson.  She married John William Franklin on June 22, 1957 in Burlington, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on October 5, 2011.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, James Courson and Kenneth “Pete” Courson and daughter-in-law Cindy Franklin.

Audrey is survived by two sons, Tom Franklin of London Mills and Steve (and Sue) Franklin of Abingdon; one daughter, Peggy (and Shawn) Ware of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Emilee Franklin, Racheul (and Jeremy) Malcom, Amanda (and Mark) Leadbetter, Jonathan (and Brittany) Lamica and Tyler Eppley; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Carol Courson of Avon; and nieces and nephews.

She grew up in Abingdon where she attended Abingdon High School and remained in the Abingdon and Galesburg areas all of her life.  She worked as a self-employed painter and wall paper hanger, owned and operated the Grand Roller Rink in Galesburg for 16 years with her late husband, John, and was a fixture at Steve’s Appliance in Avon and Franklin Hardware in Abingdon.  She was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Abingdon United Methodist Church, 401 N. Washington St. in Abingdon followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Nancy Wilson and Rev. Russ Witkowski officiating.  Cremation will be accorded following the services.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois Masonic Outreach Springfield.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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