Helen Maxine Lemons Connerley, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday night, December 8, 2020, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana.

   She was born March 6, 1935, the daughter of James Roscoe and Mary Alice (Sheets) Lemons.  She was united in marriage to Robert L. Connerley on March 21, 1953, in Flora, Illinois, and together they shared 45 wedding anniversaries until his death May 2, 1998.

   Maxine graduated from Fairfield High School and later worked for Clay County Hospital in the laundry department.  She loved flowers of all kinds, camping, and time spent with family.  She was a past member of the Lucky Ramblers Camping Club and was a member of the Flora Moose Lodge.  Maxine was a longtime member of the Flora Nazarene Church where she attended for more than 60 years and was a member of the Friendship Class.

   She is survived by a son: Robert W. Connerley of Kinmundy; a daughter: Carole J. (Mike) Helm of Xenia; 6 grandchildren: Heather (Caleb) Middleton, Dakota (Brittany) Connerley, Jennifer (Doug) Henson, Brandon (Erin) Helm, Dustin Walker, and Joshua Walker; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a brother: James “Jim” (Donna) Lemons of Fairfield.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a sister: Gladys Kiger; and a brother: Charles Lemons.

   A funeral ceremony will be held 1 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Phil Alvord officiating.  Interment will follow in Bestow Cemetery, Geff.  Visitation will be 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.  In accordance with an Illinois mandate, masks will be required, and social distancing guidelines will be followed.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Nazarene Church and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com