Mary Florence McKowen, 86, of Mount Vernon, IL, passed away on June 4, 2024, at her home.
She was born August 25, 1937, in Mount Vernon, the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Vona (Reynolds) Quinn and granddaughter of the late Robert M. and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Lee) Quinn of Mount Vernon and Samuel and Florence (Vannatta) Reynolds of Nason, Illinois.
Mary attended Central Grade School (presently McClellan), Mount Vernon Township High School, Mount Vernon Community College, and Rend Lake College.
Mary was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
At 7:30, Friday evening on February 5, 1960, she married Oscar Nolan McKowen at the First Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois with Reverend William F. Bohn officiating. She and Nolan had 57 1/2 wonderful years of together before he passed on August 15, 2017.
Mary is survived by three sons, Nolan Lee (Lisa Kohute) McKowen of Haubstadt, Indiana, Courtney Layne McKowen of Mount Vernon, and Christopher Lyle (Beth Ayres) McKowen of Salem, Illinois. She and Nolan were very proud that all three of their sons were graduates of SIU Carbondale. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tyler Joseph (Adrianne) McKowen of Princeton, Indiana, Krysta Louise (Aaron) Billington of Cisne, Illinois, Zachary Grant McKowen of Salem, Sarah Elizabeth McKowen of Salem, and Lauren Nicole McKowen of Salem; three great-grandchildren, Greyson Quinn McKowen and Jenny Mae McKowen, both of Princeton, Indiana, and Maggie Grace Billington of Cisne, Illinois; sister, Patsy E. (Quinn) Tucker of Sycamore, Illinois; nephew, James E. (Sharon) Tucker of Sycamore; three nieces, Gina Lisenby of Mount Vernon, Sandra Barton of South Elgin, Illinois, and Doni Lynn Baker of Mount Vernon; special great-nephew, Daniel Klevorn; and many cousins.
In addition to her parents, grandparents, and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her three brothers, Jerry W. Quinn, Bill L. Quinn, and Garry D. Quinn; nieces, Jamie Lynn Tucker and Donna Lee Quinn; uncles, Lloyd Quinn, Glenn Quinn, Harvey Reynolds, and Roy Reynolds; and aunts, Leila (Quinn) Shasteen, Lena Clarke, Evelyn Balmer, Ferne Beard, and Betty Martin.
Mary worked at Hoit, Hoit, and Hoit, the National Bank and Trust Co. of Sycamore, Vanex Color Inc., and retired from Krehbiel and Associates.
Mary was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. The Quinn family farm has been in the family for over 100 years. She and her husband, Nolan enjoyed their retirement years with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Privates Family Services will be held.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
