Norma Jean Keener Smith

Norma Jean Keener Smith, of Oneida formerly of London Mills, Illinois passed away at 10:17 A.M. at Cottage Hospital, Galesburg, Illinois on November 21, 2020. She was born on July 20, 1939 in Prairie City, Illinois to Ralph Warren and Hazel Isabel LeMaster Keener. She married Tom Smith in 1958 and they divorced in 1973. Surviving are her siblings: Dale Keener of Gibson City, Illinois; her children: Valerie Derry of Lewistown, Illinois, Vickie (Jon) Hatch of Oneida, Illinois, Bradley (Melissa) Smith of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Shelley (Tim) Dillon of Oneida, Illinois; her grandchildren: Nicholas Smith, Katie Frey, Michael Hatch, Maggie Derry, Mackenzie smith, Amoryah Smith, Emma Dillon and Josie Dillon and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Gary and LeRoy Keener, one sister, Brenda Potts and one grandson, Mackaiem Smith. She attended Maple Hill country school, Bushnell grade school, London Mills grade school and graduated from Spoon River Valley High School, class of 1957. She worked for Gale Products as a key punch operator, then was a dedicated secretary for Galesburg Construction, Midwest Foundation, Fox Construction and Hein Construction, currently was employed by the Labor Local #538. She also was Chestnut Township Clerk for 34 years. Norma spent many years volunteering for the London Mills Spoon River Drive. She enjoyed fishing, taking care of her farm cats, embroidering baby quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and reading - her love for reading she was able to create her own personal library which she was very proud of. She loved to travel especially involving historical places and taking her children and grandchildren to musical plays. An occasionally on a Friday night she would try her luck at the slot machines at local casinos. She also loved and treasured the company of her coffee girls, a group of friends she had coffee and conversations with for forty plus years. She was a wonderful and loving Mom who dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. The sacrifices she made were endless. There won’t be a day that we won’t thank her for always being there for us. She will be so dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. We love you Mom. Visitation will be held from 3:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the Bushnell Cemetery in Bushnell, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or ALS - Lou Gehring's Disease. On-line condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Norma Jean Keener Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.