Mrs. Betty Mae (Smith) Emery

Mrs. Betty Mae Emery, 89, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 8:12 am Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Seminary Manor with her family by her side.

Betty was born April 29, 1933, in Smithshire, Illinois, the daughter of Roy Smith and Ozella Stevens Smith.  She was raised in Monmouth by her mother and stepfather, Robert Stevens.  She married John R. Emery in Monmouth on December 6, 1952.  He proceeded her in death on April 23, 2009.

Surviving are two sons, Bob (Polly) Emery of Knoxville, Illinois and Steve (Dana) Emery of Wesley Chapel, Florida, one daughter, Becky (Dewey) Collins of Galesburg. Ten grandchildren – Karla (Sean) Hanlon, Shawna Emery, Tera (Paul) Klein, Joshua Powelson, Michelle (Jason) Barry, Brittany (Tim) Lanci, Chris Emery, Carson Emery, Carly (Brandon Wade) Peterson, and Delaney Emery.

Sixteen great-grandchildren – Emma, Angelina, Derrick, Jenna, Jacob, Alyssa, Emery, Olivia, Kye, Jaxon, Brayden, Lancer, Ethan, Liam, Everly, and Elizabeth.  She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Tom Smith, and granddaughter Alicia Powelson.

Betty graduated from Monmouth High School in 1951.  She retired from Knox County Nursing Home as activity director.  She worked part-time as a sales associate at Green Gables.  Betty loved putting her crafting skills to use making holiday decorations, homemade cards, painting, and ceramics.  She loved making gifts for family and friends.  When she wasn’t crafting, Betty was in her yard taking care of her beautiful flowers.  Betty was one talented lady!

Betty was a social butterfly – whether it was lunch with her girlfriends or attending a neighborhood party – her laugh would light up the crowd.  An avid Silver Streaks fan, she loved attending basketball games.  Betty enjoyed her grandchildren any chance she could get, from attending their activities to taking them shopping.  She made holidays special with her traditions.  Her grandchildren will always treasure the competition to find the pickle ornament she hid in the Christmas Tree – bragging rights and a five-dollar bill as the prize!  Betty’s love for her family was infinite.

Funeral will be at 4:00 pm Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  Pastor Jeremie Kilgore will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the chapel.  Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, September 12, 2022, in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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