Nevada "Vada" Evelyn Beary

Nevada “Vada” Evelyn Beary, 93, of Galesburg, died at 7:43 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.

She was born July 18, 1921 in Lynn, Arkansas, the second child of J. Washington and Willie Grace (Martin) Davis. 

A full time homemaker and caregiver, Vada also worked at the Hemp Mill North of East Galesburg during World War II and at Elmer’s Spudnut Shop in Galesburg part time in the 1950s.  She was a member of Mothers of World War II and enjoyed knitting, sewing, cooking, reading, writing letters, and playing cards and Yahtzee.

A longtime member of the East Galesburg Community Chapel, she also attended Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg for the past six years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonald Dee “Arkie” Beary, whom she married on July 28, 1939 in Black Rock, Arkansas; two sisters, two brothers, two grandchildren, and two sons-in-law.

Survivors include her children, Rosetta Howerter, Willene Coon, Leona (and Dyson Sr.) Shannon, Leonard E. Beary, James Beary, and Richard (and Penny) Beary Sr., all of Knox County; two sisters, Nina Archer of Hartford, Michigan and Vickie (and Clifford) Brewer of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida; a brother, Jennings (and Marion) Davis of Astor, Florida; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and three step-great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Milton Marquith officiating.  Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to East Galesburg Community Chapel, Bethel Baptist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.