2025 Journal-Yearbook

Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook

Donovan, Jacob (Halee) Fowler, Ephraim Fowler, Abby Kummel, Sarah Kummel, Heather (Rob) Reynolds, and Chris Boyd. Clayton had 11 great – great nephews and nieces as well as many special friends. A Celebration of Life for the Rev. Clayton Coffey was conducted on July 13, 2025, at Old Washington United Methodist Church in Old Washington, Ohio, with District Superinten- dent, the Rev. Laura White officiating. Burial was in Obetz Cemetery in Obetz, Ohio.

Norma Jeane Copeland 1928-2024

Norma Jeane Copeland, 66, widow of the Rev. Leo Copeland and mother of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Paul Copeland, died Aug. 12, 2024, in Benton.

She was born Jan. 6, 1928, in Dieterich, a daughter of Albert F. and Rosa (Strong) White. Norma married Leo Copeland June 30, 1948. He preceded her in death Dec. 19, 1989. Norma taught elementary school for more than 35 years, retiring from Christopher Elementary School. In retirement she did individual tutoring. Survivors include a son, the Rev. Paul (Diane) Copeland of Kewanee, 16 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, four nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Robert Copeland; a grandson Joshua Copeland; two brothers, Albert R. White and Harold E. White; and a sister Lenora Poehler. A Celebration of Life was held Aug. 16, 2024 at the Sesser Methodist Church. Burial fol- lowed in Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser.

Margy Jean Curtis 1937-2025 Margy Jean Curtis, 88, of Carlinville, the widow of the Rev. John R. Curtis, Jr., died Feb. 28, 2025, in Hillsboro. Margy was born Feb. 18, 1937, in Gibson City, a daughter of Robert and Gladys (Kaiser) Jardine. Margy graduated from Gibson City High School with the class of 1955. Margy married Dean Buhs and had a son, Robert Dean Buhs, the two later divorced. She then met

and married Howard R. Moore, on March 30, 1961, and became a family of 5. In Decem- ber 1963, they welcomed, Lisa, making a family of 6. After his death in 1976, she married John R. Curtis, Jr. on June 18, 1978, and made their home in Carlinville. Margy had a love for bowling and bowled in a league and kept the team’s books. She was passionate about gardening and canning. She was a wonderful seamstress. She never missed sending a birthday card or sending a note to family and friends. She enjoyed camping and traveling around the U.S., also making a trip to Germany when their first grandchild arrived. She and John enjoyed a trip to the Holy Land that made a huge impact on her life. Family was everything to her and she taught them manners, and to follow God’s Word. She enjoyed giving children’s sermons at Rural UMC and sometimes sermons to the congregation. Margy is survived by her daughter, Melody Carlson of Arrowsmith, sons Michael Craig (Shawn) Moore of Midland, Texas, Robert (Bonnie) Buhs of Gibson City,Richard (Lynn)

248 Memoirs