Lucille G. (Henson) Anderson, age 94, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 3, 2019, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
She was born June 9, 1924, in Flora, the daughter of Otto Ruben and Rebecca (Coil) Henson. She married Samuel Edgar Anderson on January 22, 1942, in Flora and together they have celebrated 77 years of marriage. Sam resided with Lucille at Flora Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Lucille worked outside the home slightly, until 1959, when she was a Nurse’s Aide at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Taylorville, Illinois. Shortly after moving back to Flora, Lucille decided to become a career professional. During the summer of 1960 Lucille went to St. Louis, MO and received training to be owner and operator of a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio which then was located at the West Edge of Flora. Lucille continued operating Merle Norman Cosmetics at their residence located at 419 E. North Avenue for 56 years until she retired at the age of 92. Lucille additionally helped Sam in various businesses throughout their life. Lucille raised four children, was dedicated to her Church work in which she and Sam were faithful leaders. Lucille coordinated the Clay County Fair Queen Pageant for numerous years during the 60’s and early 70’s, along with coordinating makeup design for the Flora High School Band and Drama Club. During spare time, Lucille’s hobbies were dedicated to cooking, gardening, and taking care of her flowers. Lucille was known for baking angel food cakes and delivering them throughout the community. She will be remembered for helping and assisting people over the years with their basic needs.
Lucille is survived by her husband, Sam E. Anderson of Flora; three sons: Sam P. Anderson and his wife Ramona of North Padre, TX, Michael Anderson and his wife Kayla of Flora, Russell R. Anderson and his wife Denise of McLeansboro; one daughter: Celia Anderson Dempsey and her husband Dave Merrihew of Flora; 13 grandchildren: Holly Taylor, Robin Jackson and her husband Kemp, Bronson Anderson and his wife Jennifer, Clark Anderson and his wife Heather, Michael Tyler Anderson and his wife Donna, J.B. Anderson and his wife Marisol, Samuel Tyler Mink and his wife Lexi, Carmen Anderson Jones and husband James, Russell Aaron Anderson and his wife: Jami, Derek Lake and his wife Kristine, Marshall Andrew Lake and his wife Callie, Jodi West, and Jenny Wieseman and her husband Craig, Russell; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and special friend: Margaret Duke. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; a brother: Otis R. Henson; and a sister: Lorraine Etchison.
A funeral service will be held 12 noon Friday, March 8, 2019 at Community of Christ Church in Flora, with Pastor Russell Anderson officiating and Phil Rogers assisting. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Community of Christ Church or Clay County Cancer Support Group and will be accepted through the funeral home.