Maggie Lorean Guyer

Maggie Lorean Guyer, 96, a longtime resident of Annapolis, IL, passed away on December 13, 2022, at Heart to Heart Hospice in Evansville, IN, due to a recent stroke.

She was born on April 25, 1926, in Denton, AR, the daughter of Ross & Leona Drum. Her family moved to Illinois when she was nine years old. On January 30, 1948, she married the love of her life, Edward Guyer, in a double ring ceremony in Robinson, IL. He preceded her in death on November 18, 2012.

She is survived by her sons, Charles & Melanie Guyer (Annapolis, IL), Ivan Guyer (Annapolis, IL), and Kim Guyer (Evansville, IN); by her daughters, Char & Jerry Ellington (Godfrey, IL) and Mary & David McCarty (West Union, IL); by five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren; by several nieces and nephews that she adored; as well as her beloved cat, Molly. Her latest great-great-grandson, Lincoln, brought a sense of purpose and enjoyment in the twilight years of her life. He was born only a few months after the death of her daughter. She seemed to connect with him, which helped ease the pain of loss.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Donna Dowell; her brothers, Roy Drum, Olen Drum, Delbert Drum, and Edison Drum; her sisters, Verdas Smith and Imo Johnson; and her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Everett & Ethel Guyer.

Lorean was a friend to all and an "adopted" mom, grandma, and great-grandma to many. She developed a timeless circle of friendship with those around her. Her loving kindness and joy were evidence of the eternal life she found in Jesus Christ. Her vivacious and giving spirit will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, and her love for her family will never be forgotten.

Over her 96 years, she selflessly poured herself out for others, touching countless lives in the process. She spent a lifetime of sacrifice. She worked very hard, starting from the time she was born in Denton, AR, through the close of her life in Annapolis, IL. She lived with profound honesty and integrity throughout her entire life and was full of true grit and unconditional love. She committed herself to being the best mother she could and cherished every opportunity to be with her family.

Lorean loved making quilts and was extremely creative in doing so. She made countless quilts and blankets for many who will cherish them for years to come. She showed one of the circa-1910 Guyer family quilts at the American Quilter's Society at the Thimble & Thread Quilt Guild Expo in March 2009. She attended sewing classes at Olney Central College. She could turn a piece of fabric into beautiful pieces, whether it be a quilt, clothing, or even baby doll clothes! She loved to sew and did so until macular degeneration robbed her of her eyesight. Lorean also loved canning and listening to music, especially gospel music. She was a supporter of the EPC and attended every music concert she possibly could. She enjoyed reading, and we still have the memory of her sitting in her chair with a lighted magnifying glass, trying to read the small print of the newspaper.

Lorean relied on her faith to get her through life. She was raised Baptist and also embraced the Quaker and Methodist denominations. At the age of nine, she became a member of the West Union Baptist Church, where her family attended. Lorean was truly part of the "Greatest Generation." She survived the Dust Bowl (in the 1930s) and the Great Depression (1929-1939), as well as many other hardships.

Lorean could be gruff and cantankerous at times, but her heart shined through time and again. She always went the extra mile to make every holiday and family gathering special, even up to the last few years of her life. She would decorate her house at Christmas like none other. She always insisted her Christmas presents be wrapped with bows and not put in a Christmas "sack." It was important to her that no one was left out. She was a great cook and always tried to make everyone's favorite dish or beverage during the holidays and at family gatherings. She was generous beyond measure and never hesitated to help anyone that needed it.

Lorean and Edward enjoyed traveling and visited many of the national parks together. Lorean loved the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Hawaii, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Branson, Oregon, and Naples, FL. She always enjoyed the many trips back to visit relatives in Arkansas and Memphis.

Lorean was blessed to have created many friendships through the years and will be fondly remembered for her strong work ethic, generous heart, and devotion to her family. Lorean had never met a stranger, and her friends and family brought so much joy to her life.

Now, she is at peace in a place where seasons don't end and years don't count; she is in Heaven rejoicing with our Lord and Savior!

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16th, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17th, at the funeral home, with Steve Dolson officiating. Burial will be in the Hutsonville Cemetery. For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will eventually be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Memorial contributions may be made to either the "Oblong Children's Home" or the "West Union Baptist Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home.