Mary E. Stephens Rushing, 84 of Galesburg, passed away at 1:15 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2020 at her home.
She was born April 24, 1936 in Forest City, North Carolina, the daughter of Fred and Hilda (Blanton) Kiser. She married Donald R. Stephens on July 25, 1964 in Alton, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 13, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Rick Johnson and his wife Betsy, one daughter, Sandy Miller and her brother, Thomas Palmer.
Mary is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Stefanie Stephens of Galesburg; two sons, Randy Johnson of Bettendorf, Iowa and Rocky (and Michelle) Johnson of Portland, Oregon; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; and Tammy Carrico of Galesburg who also helped care for her and was like a daughter to her.
She lived in North Carolina in her early years and worked as a seamstress. She later moved to the Peoria area and worked for the Canteen Corporation. She lived in the Abingdon and Galesburg areas since 1995. She was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed bowling, reading and sewing before she was declared legally blind.
As she requested, cremation will be accorded. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with her arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society in care of Stefanie Stephens, 723 Century Estates, Galesburg, IL 61401. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
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