Lillian Evelyn Eck

Angels rejoiced and mortals wept as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Lillian Evelyn Eck passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the age of 88. born to Alsia and Bessie Sorrell on August 21, 1924, in Myrtle, Missouri, Lillian was the oldest of six children. After graduating from Couch High School in 1942, she went to work for Uncle John and Aunt Ella Crass as a telephone operator. Then in August 1944, she moved to St. Louis, and worked at mending wire for General Cable Corporation until July of 1945, returning to Mrytle. The Lord was dealing with her heart, and she answered the call. Then the Lord blessed her to meet a wonderful young man, Edwin Eck, who became her loving companion on March 28, 1948. They enjoyed their 57 years of life together. Lillian was a devoted wife and loved him unfailingly throughout their marriage. To their union, four children were born, each being welcomed with open arms. Her home often had the wonderful aroma of fresh baked bread, cinnamon rolls, pies or cookies. Her summers were busy cooking for harvest hands and canning food that came from her garden. She sewed dresses for the girls and suits for the boys, and enjoyed making quilts for her children and grandchildren. She has shown us what it means to stand by someone’s side in sickness and health with compassionate endearing love. She has been and remains our guiding light, our beacon of hope and faith amidst the darkness. We feel blessed to have had her in our lives. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Edwin, parents Alsia and Bessie Sorrell, stepmother Dollie Gentry Sorrell, sister Dora Lela Beisly, two brothers, Lehman Earl and Thurman Sorrell, and step-sister Hassie Palmer. She is survived by four children, Elois Spinks and husband Mark of Jefferson, Oregon, Neta Murphey and husband Willie of Guthrie, Darrell Eck and companion Carol of Goltry, and Merrill Eck and companion Pam of Beatty, Oregon; eight grandchildren, Coquetta and husband Joel Erickson, Stephen and wife Monica Murphey, Abilgail and husband Jonathan Danielsen, Elizabeth Murphey, Kysha, Slater and Kean Eck, and Christopher Eck; four great-grandchildren, AutumnGrace, Lillian, Judith, and Andre; two brothers Clifford and wife Gertrude Sorrell, and Fred and wife Merry Sorrell; two sisters-in-law, Edna Sorrell and Carol Sorrell; step-sister Eula Sherill; and two step-brothers Troy Gentry and Eddie Gentry. Services will be held 10:30 AM Friday, September 28, 2012, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation with family will be Thursday evening 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the Church of God or Faith Publishing House.

Lillian Evelyn Eck

August 21, 1924 - September 23, 2012