Velma June Pence

 

Velma June Pence, 90, of Pleasant Dale Place in Girard, IL. and formerly of Palmyra, IL. went to be with Jesus Friday morning, June 12, 2026 at Pleasant Dale Place.

 

She was born July 1, 1935, in Girard, IL. a daughter of the late Oren and Hazel Bristow Pierson.

 

She married William M. Pence on November 5, 1955, in Girard, IL. and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2022.

 

Velma graduated from Girard High School and began working at Franklin Life in Springfield. After Bill returned from military service she and Bill moved to Macomb, where Bill would attend Western Illinois University, and she worked in the lunchroom and took on various odd jobs. All while attending any sporting event or competition the university offered.

 

After graduation they moved to Rushville, where Bill taught and where they helped start a Southern Baptist church.

 

After a few years they moved back to their hometown area of Palmyra.

 

Velma operated an in-home daycare for several years and then began work at Welte Grocery Store which later became Rich’s Grocery. She retired from Rich’s after 30 years of working in the grocery stores.

 

Velma made numerous quilts and enjoyed crocheting. She loved to play games, was an awesome Pinochle player, and was seen at nearly every sporting event at Northwestern High School. She was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

 

Surviving are her children, Sherri Lynne Lake (Jerry) of Girard, IL., Terri Lea Adcock (Tom) of Jerseyville, IL., David Allen Pence (Tricia) of Franklin, IL.; eight grandchildren, Josh Drake (Janine) of Bloomington, IN., Lisa Ballinger (Ryan) of Benld, IL., Chris Schwab (Joni) of Springfield, IL., Tyler Adcock (Anthony) of Rock Springs, Wy., Emily Adcock of Jerseyville, IL., Alexia Pence of Waverly, Carter and Eli Pence all of Franklin, IL.; eight great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jace, Jaxon, Maddie, Noelle, Julianna, Nathalie, and Benjamin; her siblings, Harold Pierson, Wanda Denney (Don) all of Girard, IL., Norma Settles (Norm) of Rochester, IL.; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Stults-Neece Chapel in Palmyra, IL. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Palmyra, IL. Visitation was held on Tuesday at the chapel.

 

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Dale Church and sent to Stults-Neece Chapel, 349 E. Tanner, Waverly, IL. 62692.

 

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.