Emma Belle Laningham

Emma Belle Laningham, age 94, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Angel Acres in Marion, Illinois.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Keith Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Ferrell Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Emma was born January 30, 1927 in Creal Springs, Illinois, a daughter of Douglas and Delia (Tanner) Holmes. She married the love of her life, James Harold Laningham on October 18, 1947 in Mississippi.

She is survived by four children, Richard Dale Laningham (Raetta) of Rochester, IL, Sharon Kay Keppner of Springfield, IL, James Rodney Laningham (Lynda) of Marion, IL, and Brian Keith Laningham (Sheila) of Chatham, IL; five grandchildren, Angela Rae Laningham of Chicago, IL, Yasmine Celeste Keppner-Bauman (Lance) of Springfield, IL, Ashleigh Renee Stalets (Brian) of Rochester, IL, James Lucas Laningham of St. Louis, MO, and Collin James Laningham of Chatham, IL; one sister-in-law, Sue Holmes of Creal Springs, IL; and her Great Grandchild, Tristyn Elizabeth Bauman of Springfield, IL, Great Grandchild Jackson Alexander Stalets of Rochester, IL, Great Grandchild Grayson Andrew Stalets of Rochester, IL, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her spouse James Harold Laningham; her parents; seven siblings, Ralph Holmes, Ray Holmes, Lola Beasley, Pauline Segers, Robbie Odum, Gilbert Holmes, and Lawrence Holmes; and her infant daughter, Marsha Gaye Laningham.

Emma was primarily a homemaker but in later years helped with elderly care at Williamson County Programs on Aging. She enjoyed her yard work and mowing, raking leaves, tending to her flowers and gardening. Most of all, she cherished her family and time spent with them.