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Graveside Ceremony: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery
Those attending are asked to arrive directly at the cemetery.
Leona M. Pemberton Totten, age 97, of Flora, Illinois passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
She was born January 3, 1924, in Goodwin, Arkansas, the daughter of Louis Elmer and DuRinda “Rinda” (Coble) Hamilton. She was united in marriage to William Laverne Pemberton on May 17, 1942, in Louisville, and together they shared 41 wedding anniversaries until his death December 27, 1983. She later married James F. Totten on June 29, 1985, in Flora, and he preceded her in death on April 17, 2015.
Leona had worked at the International Shoe Company, Sparton Manufacturing, and Clay County Hospital, working in the kitchen. Her dedication to faith was evident in her memberships at First Christian Church in Flora and Antioch Church in Olney. She was a 50-year member and Past Noble Grand of the Rebekahs and sang with the Rebekah Quartet. Leona enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. She loved fishing, sewing, crafts, playing cards and dominoes, and always looked forward to attending the annual Hamilton Reunion at Charley Brown Park. Leona also enjoyed time spent traveling and during a trip to Israel she and her husband Jim were rebaptized in the Jordan River.
She is survived by a son: Tom (Maria “Button”) Pemberton of Flora; son-in-law: Ed (Dena) McCracken of Clay City; stepchildren: Larry (Nancy) Totten of Olney and Linda Craig of Calhoun; 7 grandchildren: Chris (Alicia) Wildbur, Chad Pemberton, Eddie (Jolene) McCracken Jr., Jami (Tony) Gibbons, Jacki (the late Mike) Sehie, Keith (Linda) England, John (Mary) England; 13 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; brother-in-law: Elmo Pemberton of Mooresville, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; 2 daughters: Janet England and Vickie McCracken; a grandson: David Pemberton; great-grandson: Mark England; 5 brothers: Earl, Raymond, Clinte, Louie, and Don Hamilton; 4 sisters: Lena Colclasure, Dorothy Stanford VanDyke, Violet Wheeler, and Captola Reynolds Barbee; 3 brothers-in-law: Roy, Harold, and Dean Pemberton; 3 stepsons: George Totten, Leroy Totten, and David Totten; and step-son-in-law: John Craig.
A graveside ceremony will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery in Flora. Those attending are asked to arrive directly at the cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry or White Fields Worldwide Ministry and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Jackie and family, My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Such a loyal friend to mom over the years and a classy lady. Always enjoyed our visits together. Prayers to you all.
I was so sad to hear this about Leona. She was a special lady. Eric always called her "Grandma Bologna", she always laughed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pemberton family. They always say, she's in a better place.. Her grand children will miss her.
so sorry for your loss, Leona was a thoughtful loving woman Who will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
You have won your crown of life. May God wrap His arms of love around you Dennis and Sue Hampsten
You have won the battle in christ. Love you. Elmo
Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss.
Our condolences to the Family of "Aunt Lonie" Love Ronald and Sue Hamilton
So sorry to hear about Leona. She was a sweet lady and also one of my Rebekah sisters. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will not be forgotten.
I loved Aunt Leona so much. I have so many wonderful memories of our Pemberton family reunions and my time spent in the summertime with Uncle Vern, Aunt Leona and Vickie when they invited me to go with them on their vacations to "Dollyworld" and other vacation destinations. Vickie and I were so close and I would consider Uncle Vern and Aunt Leona as my "other" mom and dad. I will forever remember them...
Tom, Button and family: We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers during this difficult time. May God bless you all all
Leona was a very good women and a great addition to our family when she married my cousin Jim. God Blessed those years!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Leona was a very kind and special lady.
Oh my I am soo soo sorry I loved her so much & still miss our morning coffee We had it every morning I was there Sweetest lady in the world Will be a sadder place without her LORD KEEP HER
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
