Nilene Junker

Nilene Church Junker, 88, previously from Hollis Township, Peoria, died at 11:50 p.m. February 16, 2021, at her home in Pickens, MS. Born August 4, 1932, in Aledo, Illinois to Niles E. and Z. Ruth Church, she married Leland (Neil) Junker on April 19, 1951. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents and a sister, Carolyn Schaefer, Tremont. Surviving are her three daughters: Laura Lee Leathers, Pickens, MS; Susan Junker (Dennis Birchall) of Lakehills, TX; Jennifer (James) Jarrett, Bloomfield, KY. She had six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was employed by Canteen Corp., Peoria Civic Center and retired from Belwood Nursing Home. She was a devoted wife, homemaker and gardener. Her volunteer and leadership positions included the Wheeler School Parent Teacher Association, served in a variety of offices with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #35, Glasford, culminating as President of the Illinois Auxiliary 16th District. Her extensive contributions to veterans and their families continued after moving to Mississippi in 1997 where she held positions of Secretary and Treasurer for American Legion Auxiliary Unit #44, Kosciusko. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on February 27, 2021, Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin, IL 61554. Immediately following, graveside services will be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery, 9711 Maple Ridge Rd., Mapleton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Girls State" ICO American Legion Auxiliary Unit #35, P.O. Box 179, Glasford, IL 61533 or Shriners Childrens Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Funeral Service Saturday, February 27, 2021 2:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Saturday, February 27, 2021 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554