Martha A. Ferguson's Obituary
QUINCY, IL - Martha Ferguson, age 84 of Quincy and a former long-time Charleston resident, entered her heavenly home on Saturday, August 24, 2013 while a patient at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Visitation will be held this evening (Tuesday) from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to East Harrison Street Church of God. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Martha was born on December 17, 1928 in Morton, IL. She married James M. Ferguson on October 23, 1948 in Cornith, Mississippi. It was a marriage and friendship which endured for 56 years until Jim's death on January 14, 2005. She is survived by her children, Janis ""Jan"" Broadway of Metropolis, IL, James Robert ""Fergy"" Ferguson of Quincy and Linda Frye and husband Jay of Payson, IL; four grandchildren, Derek Broadway, Ross Broadway, Julie Broadway and Jennifer (Chuck) Prough; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Tyler; a sister-in-law, Dorotha Ferguson; several nieces and a special cousin Pat (Roy) Hinds. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Martha (Feddern) Baker, infant daughter, Willeta Jean Ferguson, and a son-in-law, Dale Broadway. After losing both her parents at a young age, Martha was given a loving home in Isabel with her Uncle Hiram and Aunt Iva Terrell. She was a 1947 graduate of Brocton High School and attended Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College for a year. Following her marriage to Jim, Martha devoted her life to being a wife, mother and homemaker - and she was the best. She was a faithful member of East Harrison Street Church of God for many years, served her community as an election judge and was a Coles Moultrie Electric meter reader for 27 years. Martha was dedicated to the Coles County 4-H program and its youth - she was a leader for 36 years and established the Hilltop 4-H Club which remains in existence today. She was a good seamstress, her embroidery projects were beautifully stitched, and from her kitchen came delicious pies and cookies. She enjoyed collecting angels and she dearly loved her pets, Cocoa and Annie. But for Martha it was her family that she held near and dear to her heart. The love felt for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unconditional. They will always treasure the many special times shared.
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