Barbara Lou Lemon, 86, of Litchfield, died at 5:47 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, surrounded by family.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 1p.m. at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield. Burial will be in Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the church.
Mrs. Lemon was born Aug. 27, 1938, in Litchfield, a daughter of Harold Russell and Gladys Fern (Davis) Williams. She was a graduate of Hillsboro High School and spent her career as an adjudicator with the Illinois Office of Employment Security, retiring in 2002.
She and John Paul Lemon were married Nov. 20, 1958, in Corning, AR, and he preceded her in death May 3, 2003. She was an unparalleled mother and devoted wife whose love, wisdom and resilience built not only a thriving farm but a family rooted in love. She cherished every minute spent with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Lemon was an avid reader, an amazing cook, enjoyed dancing and loved playing cards and games with those she loved. She was an unwavering source of love, strength, and support for her friends and family whether it be from the bleachers or over a warm cup of coffee.
Mrs. Lemon is survived by her two sons, Clayt (Jonita) Lemon of Butler and Clint (Arrietta) Lemon of Litchfield and two daughters, Kim (Henrik) Laursen of Miami, FL, and Tracy (Kevin) Niemann of Litchfield; three brothers, David (Georgia) Williams and James (Rita) Williams, both of Butler and Mark (Debby) Williams of Irving; two sisters, Lynn Titsworth of Murphysboro and Rhonda Morgan of Mounds, OK; eight grandchildren, Courtney Fritchley, Caleb (Caitlin) Niemann, Elizabeth (Ethan) Carlock, Kirk Laursen, Carson Lemon, Morgan Lemon, Mason Lemon, and Samantha (Jared) Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Berkley Smith, Daphne Fritchley and Benjamin Fritchley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, infant son William Lee Lemon; and her siblings Albert Williams, John “Jake” Williams, Verna Porter, Alma Grantham, Sandra Carroll and Kathy Williams.
The family requests memorials be made to Hearts United in Litchfield, or the Litchfield Food Pantry. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements. To sign the online guest book, light a virtual candle, or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
