Hancock County Historical Society Siegfried XIII
Page 129SONORA, May 21st -- The sudden death of Mrs. George Starr at St. Joseph hospital, Tuesday morning, came as a great shock to the community, as few realized or knew of her serious condition, although she had been sick for about two weeks. She was taken to the hospital Thursday, in hopes of relief, but after examination it was thought best to wait a little while. Monday night she took a turn for the worse and died at 11 a m. the next day.
The funeral services were held at the home Thursday, conducted by Elder C. E. Webb of the Primitive Baptist church. Interment in Currey cemetery. Lona May Mabry, the eldest daughter of Charles and Mary (Hester) Mabry, was born in Carroll county, Virginia, May 28, 1872, and in January, 1894, was married to George Starr, and with one child, Cleophas, they came to Illinois, living near Denver, Ill., in 1895, and in 1910 they moved onto the Isaac Thomas farm and later bought the Naomi Thomas farm.
Six children were born to them, five of whom survive: Cleophas, Enoch, Barney, Forrest, Simon and Stella Schmitz, besides these and her husband she leave three sisters, Lulu Worrell, Jennie Langford and Hattie Walsh; eight brothers, Cleve, Walker, Everett, Taylor, Diley, Early, Columbus and Tillman, all of whom except the last two, were present at the funeral, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Starr had endeared herself to the community by her unselfishness and her many deeds of charity. Besides her own family she has at different times welcomed into her home her nephews and nieces and even people who were needing care and shelter. Her home was open to people in need, and she was hospitable at all times. The large gathering of relatives and friends, at her home, was a mute testimonial of their love and friendship.
Hancock County Historical Society
Gunn V
Page 48GOOD WOMAN
ENTERS INTO
ETERNAL RESTMrs. George Starr of Sonora Passes
Away In Keokuk HospitalThe following obituary was kindly furnished to us by a friend of the deceased:
Mrs. Leona May Starr, one of Sonora's highly respected citizens, passed away in St. Joseph's hospital, Keokuk, Ia., Tuesday morning, May 15th, 1934, at 11:00 o'clock, after a short illness.
Mrs. Starr was born in Carroll county, Va., May 28, 1872, the daughter of Charles B. and Mary (Nester) Mabry. At the time of her death she was 61 years, 11 months and 13 days old.
She was united in marriage to George H. Starr on January 7, 1894. To this union six children were born, Cleophas, Enoch, Mrs. Forest Simon, Mrs. Stella Schmitz and Barney Starr, all living in this vicinity. One child died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Starr came to Hancock county, Ill., in 1896. Here the greater part of her life was spent.
Mrs. Starr was the oldest of sixteen children. Four with the father and mother preceded her in death. Surviving are the following brothers and sisters: Walker, Cleaveland, Early, Diley and Taylor Mabry; Mrs. Lulu Worrell, Mrs. Virginia Langford and Mrs. Hattie Walsh, of Illinois; Tilmon and Columbus Mabry of California, and Everett Mabry of Fort Madison, Ia.
She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, five children, twelve grandchildren, eleven brothers and sisters; also nieces, nephews and other relatives besides a host of friends.
She had been in failing health during the past year but it was only about two weeks ago that she took seriously ill. She was taken to St. Joseph's hospital in Keokuk, where all possible was done to relieve her but to no avail.
Mrs. Starr was a quiet, unassuming woman with no desire or ambition for the pretentious. Her entire life was given over to her home and children. She was also devoted to her brothers and sisters and their families. She was a valued member of the Sonora Household Science club. She delighted in working and doing for her loved ones. Truly a good wife, mother and citizen has been called to her eternal rest.
The funeral was held last Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m. from the home with Rev. C. E. Webb, Baptist minister of Bentley, Ill., officiating. Burial was at Oak Grove (Curry) cemetery. The pallbearers were: William Bolton, Henry Simon, J. B. Parker, Arthur Pilkington, J. J. Horton and Oscar Haas.
