Neoma Pearl Benson

Neoma Pearl Benson of rural Lawrence County passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 6, 2011. Pearl was the cherished mother of Judy Howie (Larry) of Carmel, IN, Nancy Gray (Joseph Scudder) of Sycamore, IL, and John Benson (Jane) of Lawrenceville, IL. She was the loving grandmother of Scott Gray, Douglas Howie, Derek Howie, Tiffany Gray Laczkowski, and Nicholaus Benson as well as the proud great-grandmother of nine. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Kent, who passed away in 2003, and her parents Benjamin and Neoma (Foreman) Gowen and 3 sisters and 4 brothers. She was born January 14, 1921, in Russell Township in Lawrence County. Except for a brief time, she lived all of her life there. After attending Brick School, Pearl and Kent were married in 1940 and farmed together for almost 63 years until his death. Pearl loved school as a child and was an advocate of education while raising her children. Books and poetry were read and quoted even in her last few months. Pearls other favorite hobbies were vegetable and flower gardening, entertaining friends and family with her good cooking, and watching birds and wildlife out of her picture window. She supported and loved the Allison Prairie Church of the Brethren and the kindness of all there. She thoroughly enjoyed the company of many neighbors and friends. Her life was defined by her love of family and her kindness and support for the less fortunate.Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Sunday at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, IL. The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with burial in Centerville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Allison Prairie Church of the Brethren, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, the Oblong Childrens Home, or a charity of your choice.