Mary Janice (Smith) Eyman (88) of Altamont

Mary Janice (Smith) Eyman, 88, of Altamont died peacefully at Luther Terrace, Altamont, IL on Monday, February 10, 2020 with her four loving daughters at her side.

The family will hold a visitation on Sunday, February 16, at Pagel Funeral Homes, St. Elmo, IL from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17 at Luther Terrace Chapel, Altamont, IL with preservice visitation at 1:00 and service at 2:00. A graveside service will follow at Maplewood Cemetery St. Elmo, IL. Condolences may be expressed by clicking here. 

Mary was born January 7, 1932, the second child of Wallace and Alta (Causey) Smith in rural Pittsburgh, Seminary Township, Illinois. Mary attended Shiloh Grade School in Pittsburgh with her future husband, Elvin Byrl Eyman, and Vandalia High School. She played the piano; loved attending church; and playing with her pet lambs, goat, and kittens. Mary was baptized at age 18 in Hurricane Creek, Pittsburgh. Elvin, her then intended husband, was present at that important event. Elvin and Mary were married at her home church, The Pittsburg Free Methodist Church on October 7, 1951.

Mary completed a B.S. in Elementary Education at Greenville College, Greenville, IL. She later completed a Master of Science in Education at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL while working full-time and as a mother to four children. Mary taught elementary grades in the Loudon School District and the St. Elmo School District for 32-1/2 years. She was always fondly remembered by her students and often taught multiple generations of the same families.

Mary was a faithful member of St. Elmo Church of God and later New Horizon Church for many years. She served on the Board of Missions for the First Church of God and stayed committed to sharing her faith with others throughout her life.

Mary was a talented seamstress, quilter, candy-maker, and cook. Many Sundays were enjoyed sitting around the dinner table with a feast she had prepared for immediate and extended family to enjoy. Mary also operated a small business in St. Elmo with a treasured friend and partner to supply area teachers with all the tools needed to practice their craft.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother, LaVerle Smith, and her loving husband of 55 years.

Mary is survived by daughters JoSue (Larry) Stine of St. Elmo, Nancy (Dan) Haslett of St. Elmo, Paula Eyman of Jasper, IN, and Nola (Steve) Wood of Simpsonville, SC. Grandma Mary was adored by her 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren.