Banks and Beals Funeral Home obituary - Lillian Bray, 96, LaHarpe

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Lillian Bray, 96, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away on the morning of July 24, 2021 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst.

Lillian was born on February 17, 1925, near Raritan, Illinois. She was the daughter of George and Mary (Gunter) Brokaw. She married Donald Bray on March 5, 1946. He preceded her in death on December 10, 2000.

Lillian graduated from Media High School. She then attended the College of Commerce in Burlington, Iowa, and was employed by Farmers and Merchants Bank until her marriage. She worked part-time for the LaHarpe Telephone Company for 25 years, retiring in 1995. Lillian was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church, where she taught in the primary department and served on many committees. She was also a member of the LaHarpe Senior Citizen, and enjoyed delivering meals. She was a volunteer at the LaMoine Nursing Home. She enjoyed reading and for many years went to the school to listen to the children read. She served on the election board for several years.

She is survived by four sons, Phillip Bray and Melvin (Suzie) Bray all of Burlington, Darrell (Sharon) Bray and Wayne (Susan) Bray all of LaHarpe, three daughters, Nadine Allen of Donnellson, Iowa, Cheryl (Mike) Hopwood of East Peoria, Illinois and Marlene (Brad) Eskridge of Industry, Illinois, 14 grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, one grandson, Nathan Bray, son-in-law, Keith Allen, one sister, Lois Campbell (Oscar Dowell, Norman Campbell) and three brothers, Jack (Pat) Brokaw, James (Marie) Brokaw and John (Marjorie) Brokaw.

The funeral service for Lillian will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery.

Friends may call after 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Bank & Beals where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church, LaHarpe Fire Department or the Campus Students for Christ (WIU).

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Lillian’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

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