Mary Prior

Mary M. Prior, 89, of Sterling, went to her heavenly home Thursday, July 28, 2022.

Mary loved and cherished her family and enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren. She was very active in the Nazarene Church serving in many capacities and was given the Distinguished Service Award at the Eastridge Church of the Nazarene in Kankakee, Illinois.

After retiring, she and her husband moved to Sterling where they faithfully attended services at First Church of the Nazarene and she expressed her care for the community as a volunteer at Helping Hands.

Throughout her life she was passionate about introducing others to Jesus, whose peace and love she wanted to share. Her relationship with Him was the foundation of her life.

Mary was born March 31, 1933 in West Frankfort, the daughter of John Robert and Mamie (Seagle) Lucas. She married Robert Prior on February 29, 1952 in Gilman IL.

Survivors include four daughters, Marilyn Haverly of Chicago, Cindy (Ralph) Osborne of Neenah, WI, Marinda (Mark) Ebersole of Wellman, IA and Susan Prior of Sterling; two sisters Joyce (Fred) Antonelli, Judy (Dan) Pittman; one brother Fred Lucas; twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2007, six sisters; Geraldine Drnjevic, Lillian Johnson, Vivian Tippitt, Ludia Molohen, Nancy Buschon, and Dorothy Greenwood; and four brothers, JR Lucas, Paul Lucas, Billy Lucas, Raymond Lucas.

Celebration of Life will be held 2PM Friday August 5, 2022 at First Church of the Nazarene, Sterling with Pastor Dennis Owens, officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral from 12PM-2PM. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon.

A memorial has been established to First Church of the Nazarene, Sterling.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com