Joanna Lawyer

LERNA – Joanna L. Lawyer, 88, of Lerna, passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 at Heartland Christian Village, Neoga.

Her graveside funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Pleasant Prairie (Indian) Cemetery, rural Lerna.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements: Caudill-King.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Pleasant Prairie Cemetery, c/o Karen Gannaway, 2828N CR 1150E, Lerna, IL  62440.

Joan was born April 13, 1930 in Coles County, Illinois to Joseph B. and Martha Helen (Bennett) Senteney.  She married Philip C. Lawyer, July 28, 1950 at Hernando, MS; he preceded her in death, September 18, 2017.  Surviving are their children: Mary Martha Powers and husband Keith, Sr. of Springdale, AR, Cheryl Lynn Roberts of Dora, MO, and Edwin Philip Lawyer of Lerna; grandchildren: Natalie Pilcher and husband Ron of Mattoon, Linda Ferris and husband Krag of Lerna, and Keith Powers, Jr. and wife Anda of Knoxville, TN; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Pilcher and Macy Ferris.  One brother: Steve Senteney of Seattle, WA, and her beloved cat: Buster, also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Ward Senteney; and daughter-in-law: Rosie Lawyer.

Joanna was a member of the former Farmington Methodist Church.  She enjoyed quilting and socializing.  She taught in the Lerna, Arcola, and Mattoon schools, and was adored by her students, who always remembered what a great story teller she was, and all these years later still received letters from former students.  Joanna loved working alongside her husband on their farm and preparing meals for her family.  She also loved going out to eat and spending time with Buster.