Edna Olive “Mother Vest” Vest, 92, Gas City, went to be with the Lord at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at Marion Health and Rehab Center. Born in Marshall County, North Carolina, on July 17, 1925, Mother Vest was one of seven children born to the late Hezekiah and Attie Mae (Blankenship) Crain.
In 1941, Mother Vest married the love of her life, Claude Vest. They raised nine children, Wanda (Ron) Crisman, Michigan, Kenny (Phyllis) Vest, Somerset, Kathy (Melvin) Vest-King, Gas City, Karen (Jerry) Lilly, Kentucky, Kyle Vest, Gas City, Jerry (Sylvia) Vest, Fowlerton, and Laura (Mark) Vest-Chipman, Edinburgh. Mother Vest and Claude shared 48 years together until he passed away in 1989.
Mother Vest had a green thumb to say the least. She loved flowers and gardening, and she loved to grow vegetables for her family. Her family was her life, and she cared for their needs selflessly. Mother Vest liked singing, sewing, and collecting stamps. She had even kept in touch with long-time pen pals over the years. More than anything, though, Mother Vest cherished her family, and she will be remembered for her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She also loved her church family at Water Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro, where she was a member for 37 years.
Additional survivors include 24 grandchildren; several great- and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Harvey (Madge) Crain; and sons-in-law, Tom Brown and Donald Gillis.
Also preceding her in death were two daughters, Linda Brown and Wilma Gillis; son, Larry Dale Vest; siblings, Estol, Zelda, Dicey, Emily, and Walter; and special sisters in Christ, Sarah Chipman and Helen Southwick.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Mother Vest’s Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Joe Shaver officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Water Street Baptist Church, 605 S. Water St., Jonesboro, IN 46938.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.