Lena M. Bean

Lena M. Bean Age: 90 years A resident of Vienna, IL. Passed away Sunday morning, May 24, 2009, at 4:15 AM at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna. Lena was born August 9, 1918 in the Green Brier community near Belknap, IL. She was the daughter of Lloyd E. Gillespie and Blanche (Avery) Gillespie. Lena was united in marriage to Paul Bean on November 13, 1938 in Jackson, Missouri. He preceded her in death on April 9, 1987. Survivors include: a Daughter - Ruth Ann Sistler, and her husband Jack, of Vienna, IL a Son - Paul Michael Bean, and his wife Tina, of Murphysboro, IL 2 Grandchildren - Kevin R. Breeden, and his wife Angie, of Vienna, IL Christy L. Bishop, and her husband Bo, of Port Charlotte, FL a Step Granddaughter - Alexis Hamilton of Murphysboro, IL 4 Great Grandchildren - Jakob K. Breeden & Grace Lena Marie Breeden of Vienna Aaron Bishop & Noelle Bishop of Port Charlotte, FL 3 Sisters - Mary McBride of Simpson, IL Margaret Graves, and her husband Paul, of Vienna, IL Theresa Gray of Vienna, IL a Brother - John Gillespie of Vienna, IL a Special Niece - Jane Larkin, and her husband Mac, of Birmingham, AL an Honorary Grandson - Rusty Bailey of Vienna, IL In addition to her Parents & Husband, Lena was preceded in death by: a Brother - Charles L. Gillespie an Infant Sister - Blanche Ruth Gillespie 2 Brothers-in-Law - Walter McBride & Carl "Buster" Gray a Sister-in-Law - Geraldine Gillespie Lena attended the Belknap Grade School and Belknap High School, which was a 3 year school. She then completed her Senior year and graduated from the Vienna High School. In the 1970's, she took courses through Shawnee Community College at Ullin, IL while holding down a full time job. She was honored in "Who's Who Among American College Students" for high scholastic achievement. Beginning in the mid 1930's, Lena worked at the Williams Dime Store. She was employed there at the time of the devastating fire which destroyed many of the businesses on the north side of the Vienna square. In 1954, Lena began working at Ned's Shed in Vienna. She was employed there for the next 17 years and was noted for her pies and for formulating the famous "Ned's Shed Relish" recipe. Lena also worked as a bookkeeper at Veach Oil Company at West Vienna, IL. She then held a similar position at the Farris Motor Co., later known as Steve May Motors in Vienna. Following the closure of Steve May Motors, Lena accepted a bookkeepers position with Harper Ford in Vienna, where she remained until her retirement in 1990. In 1994, Lena came out of retirement to work part time as the church secretary at the Vienna First United Methodist Church, a position she held until 2005. Lena was a faithful member of the Vienna First United Methodist Church. In 1987, she was honored at the annual tea and presented with a pin for outstanding service from the United Methodist Church. She was a member of a Hope Fellowship, serving as president for one term, as well as Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of the Administrative Council. Lena was a longtime active member of Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star. She was initiated into that organization in 1987 and served in various offices including chapter secretary from 1990-1997. She was also a member of the Johnson County Home Extension and was an Avon representative for several years. Additionally, Lena enjoyed reading, sewing, needlework, piecing quilts, and playing with and attending every function of her great grandchildren, Jake & Grace. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, May 28, 2009, at 11 AM at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. Rev. Lance Leeds and Rev. Malcolm Larkin will officiate. Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 PM - 8 PM Wednesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 10 AM - 11 AM Thursday at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. Eastern Star rites will be accorded at 8 PM Wednesday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna under the auspices of Egyptian Chapter # 30 Order of the Eastern Star. Memorials may be made to the Vienna First United Methodist Church (Memorial Fund), PO Box 1349, Vienna, IL 62995.

Lena M. Bean

August 9, 1918 - May 24, 2009