Mary Marguerite (Dare) Piper, 90, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 4:05 am July 28, 2021 at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor. Marguerite was a proud and loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing golf, bridge, swimming, and working in her flower gardens. She was active in many groups and organizations, including being a member and Past Matron of Order of Eastern Star Chapter #686 and Past Queen of Daughters of the Nile, Past President of Demalay Mother Club, Past P.T.A. President, Past President Ladies Golf Association of Green Hills Country Club, Past President of Al Sihahs, Past Queens Club, Past Member of Rebekahs, Past Member Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Charter Member of Amaranths Court #28 Centralia, Past Officer of White Shrine of Jerusalem, Past Member of Federated Civic Club, Royal Arch Widows, Cenaca Club, and Central Christian Church. Marguerite also served on the United Fund board of Jefferson County, modeled clothes in style shows for many stores in Southern Illinois, and assisted in teaching Vacation Bible School. Marguerite worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for 10 years and Kirlins Hallmark for 29 years.
A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois with Mr. Randy Sells officiating. Interment will follow. Memorials may be made in Marguerite’s honor to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
Marguerite is survived by her sons, Benny Eugene Piper and wife, Sheila of Mount Vernon and William Bradley Piper of Fort Meyers, Florida; grandsons, Todd Alan Piper and wife, Gail and Ryan Glen Piper and wife, Stephanie, all of Mount Vernon; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Charles, Christopher Hoyt Piper, Eli Glen Piper, and Maggie Michelle Piper; sister, Carol Ann Miller; and three nephews and three nieces.
Marguerite was born October 12, 1930 in Mount Vernon to Joseph Edward and Verna Lois (Cates) Dare. She married William Henry “Bill” Piper in Nashville in 1948. Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Bill” Piper; sister, Verna Mae Hayse; grandson, Christopher Eugene Piper; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Miller.
