2025 Journal-Yearbook

Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook

Lillian Marie Anderson 1938-2025 Lillian Marie Anderson, 86, of Decatur, widow of the Rev. Benjamin F. Anderson, died March 14, 2025, in Savoy.

Lillian was born Sept. 12, 1938, in Portageville, Mo., the daughter of Tony Herron and Agnes Camille (Morgan) Burroughs. She grew up in Southern Illinois, and shortly after graduating from Mount Vernon Township High School, she married Ronnie Hutchison in 1956. She married Benjamin F. Anderson on May 29, 1966. He preceded her in death on June 29, 2003. Lillian is survived by her children Tim Hutchison and husband Michael Lambert, Carol Risby and husband Sam, her sister Mildred Cornille, stepchildren David Anderson and wife Marie, Debbie May and husband Jim, Doug Anderson and wife Kendra, and by sev- eral grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, husband, stepson Danny Anderson, and brother-in-law Frank Cornille. Lillian was a member of Decatur First UMC. Her greatest passion in life was spending time with her extended family. She enjoyed taking trips to see her kids and grandkids (and great-grandkids) as often as possible. She was always good about sending birthday cards. Her ways with small children and infants were quite notable - even the most distraught little one could be easily comforted in her arms. She was the best encourager and took time to help others see the bright side of life. Services to celebrate Lillian’s life were held at 1 p.m. March 29, 2025, at Calvert & Wikoff North Chapel in Decatur. Private family burial in Glendale.

Beverly Ann Cochran Barnett 1929-2025 Beverly Ann Cochran Barnett, 96, widow of the Rev. Vernie T. Bar- nett, died May 17, 2025 in Decatur.

Born April 27, 1929 in Metropolis, a daughter of Charles Victor and Lucy Kornegger Cochran. He married Vernie T. Barnett in 1950. Beverly attended Lindenwood College, graduated from Southern Illinois University, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She taught in New York state, Vandalia and Decatur school systems. She was a teacher of young children who loved teaching and loved her students. She was a member of Decatur Grace UMC, United Methodist Women, Church Women United, The Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority, and other groups. At the time of her death, Beverly was a member of Decatur: First UMC. Beverly was an avid fan of travel. With her husband, she toured five continents and all 50 of the United States. Her great joy was traveling in their RV to another scenic adventure. She shared her travels with others. Beverly and Vernie took each of their 10 grandchildren on a trip wher- ever they chose to go in the continental United States. This took them from the Northeast to Yellowstone Park and from Virginia to the Grand Canyon. After that was over, the entire family group of 20 cruised to Alaska. As members of the NOMADS, a volunteer service group, Vernie and Beverly drove to Alaska to work on a church there, and to other places to help others. Bev- erly was also an animal lover. She shared this love with her many pets through the years.

Memoirs 243