Gloria Jean Howard's Obituary
Gloria Jean Howard, age 77, of Casey, IL passed away peacefully at 9:04 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Coles County, IL after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 12, 1946 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Vorris Reed Blankenship and Maxine Taylor Blankenship. On June 20, 1964 she married Larry Howard in the Elm Grove Church of God in Decatur, IL.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Pastor Larry Howard of Casey, IL; children, Brett Howard (Barbara) of Burleson, TX; Craig Howard (Diane) of Newton, IL and Kristen Cummings (Matthew) of Martinsville , IL; grandchildren, Brittany Dempsey (Karl); Andrew Howard, Cameron Howard, April Howard, Steven Howard, Ruthie Cummings, Korie Cummings and Karsyn Cummings; great grandchildren, Clayton Dempsey and one on the way; brother, Vorris J. Blankenship of Placerville, CA; her Church family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Corey Michael Howard; sister, Carol Kelley; nephews, Tim Kelley and Brian Blankenship; sister in law, Coralie Persse and great nephew, Todd McHugh.
Gloria was a 1964 graduate of Mt. Zion High School. She was a devoted Pastor 's wife supporting her husband and their church. Gloria spent her life raising and caring for her family; she enjoyed playing games and traveling with them. She especially treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gloria and Larry were faithful members of Moriah Church in Casey, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Moriah Church with Pastor Eddie Hammond and Pastor Jeff Lakins officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 12 - 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Moriah Church, 4890 N. 370th St., Casey, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to Moriah Church, 107 W. Main St., Casey, IL 62420; Choices Pregnancy & Health, 260 W. Locust Ave., Charleston, IL 61920 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message; light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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