Florence Evelyn Warner (94) of Neoga

Florence Evelyn Warner, age 94 of Neoga, Illinois passed away at 5:36pm Sunday, September 26 in Branson, Missouri.

Funeral services honoring her life will began at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Neoga Middle School, 790 East 7th Street, Neoga, Illinois 62447 with Scott Potter, Ethan Jekel and Gloria Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Janesville Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Neoga Middle School.

Florence was born on September 14, 1927 in Benton, Franklin County, Illinois to George (Ed) and Nancy Marie (Wayman) Smith. In 1941,in Benton, IL, at the age of 14 during a gospel meeting with Donald Spinner and John Woy officiating she professed to serve God. On January 29, 1949 she married Raymond Warner. On July 5, 1994, he preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children: Evelyn (Larry) Pipes of Branson, Missouri; Marilyn (Lonnie) Rippy of rural Gays, Illinois and George (Lori) Warner of rural Gays, Illinois. Surviving grandchildren are: Tamara (Brad) Timp of Williston, ND; Lori (Marshall) Brummer of Effingham, IL; Jordan (Lindsey) Warner of Nampa, ID and Jesika (Dylan) Rogers of Windsor, IL. Surviving great-grandchildren are: Ragan and Herrington (Tamara), Andrew and Stella (Lori), Logan and Lainee (Jesika). Other survivors are: two brothers, Arthur (Patty) Smith of Sheridan, IL and Carl (Beverly) Smith of Benton, IL; three sisters-in-law, Martha (Warner) White of Queen Creek, AZ, Mary Warner and Sarah Warner of rural Gays; a very special sister in Christ, Lorene (Cook) Smith and many nieces and nephews: Robert, Suella, Alice, Maudie, Laura, Edwin, Donald, Richard, Brian, James, Mark and Donnie; and a special person referred to as “my boy Bill”, Bill Williams.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and their wives, Charles and Norma; Everett and Marietta; three nephews, Ronald and Rodney Smith (Arthur) and Dorne Smith (Everett); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Floyd and Jean Warner.

Florence came to Mattoon, IL in 1947 and was the office manager of Brown Shoe Company until 1956. She enjoyed children and had a day care in her home for many years until 1974 when she became employed by the Neoga School District as a teacher’s aide and office secretary. During her tenure at Neoga School District she will be best remembered for cookies and candies every year during holiday time. Florence was a member of Neoga Township Library Board for several years. She retired in 2007 at the age of 80. Florence’s childlike spirit resonated through her unconditional love for all souls. Each one having the privilege of receiving her kind words will forever have them written on their hearts. Florence’s unending love for Christ and the gospel story extended to all of the children she encountered. She was a steadfast and faithful steward of her faith. All memorials will be received and dispersed by Florence’s immediate family per her wishes.

The Swengel – O’Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements. To express online condolences go to by clicking here.