S'Monne Elder

S’Monne Joey Elder, 89 of Lexington, IL passed away at 7:45 P.M. on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the Heritage Health Nursing Home in Normal, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 16, 2014 At the Church of Christ Uniting in Lexington, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Church of Christ Uniting in Lexington, IL. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Monday. Rev. Jan Proeber will officiate. Burial will be in the Lexington Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church of Christ Uniting in Lexington, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

S’Monne was born on November 4, 1924 in Weldon, IL. She was a daughter of Vern L. and Florence M. (McKown) Shinneman. She married Edwin D. Elder on June 4, 1948 in Weldon, IL. He passed away on November 13, 2009

S’Monne is survived by four daughters, Barbara J.(David) Dick, Paris, IL, Gretchen E.(Richard) Clemmons, Bloomington, IL, Mary L.(Michael) Keen, Branson, MO and Joyce A.(Mike) Benton, Colfax, IL; ten grandchildren, Amanda (John) Hunt, Dr. Andrew (Dr. Amanda) Dick, Chris (Chaille) Clemmons, Erin (Mark) Reichert, Sarah Clemmons, Wendy (Ron) Gard, Josh Keen, Ashley, Allison, and Ryan Benton; ten great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Justin Hunt, Sullivan and Elin Dick, Savannah, Reece, and Rhett Clemmons, Annabelle and Molly Riechert, and Austin Gard, American Field Service daughter, Beth Davies, Christchurch, New Zealand.

S’Monne is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edwin D. Elder, one sister, Gretchen Parrish, one grandson Grant Benton and one great-granddaughter, Katie Gard.

S’Monne graduated in 1947 from Milikin University in Decatur, IL where she earned her BA in Music Education. She was the first marching band director for Lexington High School where she taught band and English. She also taught private piano lessons.

S’Monne was an active member of the Church of Christ Uniting, Lexington, IL where she served as choir director, organist, pianist, Sunday school teacher, and served on many committees. She was also a member of the Lexington Women’s’ Club, Zeta Tau Alpha, Sigma Alpha, Iota, LEAF. She volunteered at the Patton Cabin, BroMenn, and Meadows Home. Other activities included being an avid reader, a member of the Home and Community Extension (HCE) and a Girl Scout leader. Over the years, she and her husband, Ed hosted several international guests in their home. They were honored as Grand Marshall’s of the Taste of Country Fair, Lexington, IL.

Her Christian life was a wonderful inspiration to her family, friends, and community.

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