Obituary
Mrs. Mary J. Hawkins.
Mary J. Spiker, daughter of Samuel and Louisa Spiker, was born July 4, 1860, in Parke county, Indiana, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cardwell, near Manchester, Ill., Dec. 2, 1944, aged 84 years, four months and 28 days.
On Feb. 13, 1878, she was united in marriage with Albert Powers and their entire married life was lived in Greene county. Eight children completed the family circle, broken with the loss of a little daughter, Sharlotty, and again with the passing of the father, on Dec. 1, 1900. In more recent years, two sons, Charles S., and Albert A., passed away. Those who remain are Joseph and Robert of Jacksonville, Benjamin of Wrights, Harry L., and Mrs. Elsie Cardwell of Manchester.
She became a member of the Martin's Prairie church in 1902, later removing her membership to the Union church.
On Jan. 28, 1909, she was married to Silas Hawkins, living near Manchester, who passed away Aug. 22, 1915.
Mrs. Hawkins was a very active woman through the years of her life, until failing health made it necessary to leave her own home to reside with her daughter Elsie, and husband, who have tried to make those declining year comfortable and contented.
Besides the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she leaves many friends and neighbors who will remember her cheerful disposition and friendly spirit.
Her last illness extended through several months, with a heart ailment together with the distress of a bronchial affliction. After a difficult night she quietly, peacefully left the cares, joys and sorrows of this life, and entered the Home Beyond where Many Mansions are.
Funeral services were held at the Reeve's Funeral Home in Roodhouse, Monday afternoon, Dec. 4, 1944, with Rev. Lonnie Moore, a former pastor, in charge, assisted by Rev. Fred Herron, Mrs. Hubert Cunningham and Mrs. Della Ash sang "The Old Rugged Cross," and "No Night There," accompanied by Mrs. Roy Reynolds at the piano.
The casket bearers were Delbert Blake, Wm. Owens, Fred Herron, Carey Hawkins, Wm. Cockrill and Bodie Greenwalt.
The many beautiful floral offerings were cared for by Mrs. Delbert Blake, Mrs. Wm. Cockrill, Mrs. Bodie Greenwalt, Mrs. Robt. Edwards and Mrs. Clara Pruitt.
Interment was made in the Martin's Prairie cemetery beside the husband and little Sharlotty.
Those from a distance attending the services included relatives and friends from Chicago, Ft. Sheridan, Jacksonville, Pittsfield, El Dara, Barry, Manchester, White Hall, Carrollton, Wrights, East Moline, Chesterfield, Collinsville, Patterson, Glasgow and Alsey.
Submitted by: Cheryl (Curtis) Behrend