Jean Ann (Knerr) Abernathy

Jean Ann Abernathy, 94, of rural Fithian, passed away at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home, in Danville.

Jean was born on August 21, 1924, in Paxton, Illinois, the daughter of Louis A. and June (Wilson) Knerr. 

She is survived by five children- Judy (Bob) Smith of Danville, Donna (Bob) Lamb of Ada, Ohio, Gary (Irene) Abernathy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kathy (Mark) James of Austin, Texas and Debbie (Sam) Sands of Chapel Hill, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two sisters- Vonna Boughton of Watseka, Illinois and Carol Wooldridge of Kankakee, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse-James Abernathy. four sisters- Lois Vanduyn, Faye Clark, Maxine Schmidt and Verna Howe, three brothers- Elmer Knerr, Calvin Knerr and Don Knerr, one infant brother, one grandchild- Jacob and two great-grandchildren- Alexandra and Payne.

Jean started working at Collegiate Cap and Gown, in Champaign, as a seamstress in 1969.  She worked there for over 20 years until her retirement.  She also worked for several years at Garst Seed Company, as seasonal help.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, traveling and being a mother and grandmother.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac.  According to her wishes cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation and a private family burial will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service, 300 South 2nd Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Mrs. Abernathy’s life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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