Mary Brashier

Mary Alice Brashier, 98, of Carmi, passed away at 3:05 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center. Mary Alice was born on June 30, 1918 in Carmi, IL, the eldest of six children of Ben J. and Hattie (Puckett) Behler. She married her high school classmate, Verner (Tiny) Brashier, on September 6, 1941. They spent sixty-four wonderful years together until his death in 2005. Mary Alice passed on what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary. Mary Alice was preceded in death by her siblings, Ben Joe Behler, Rose Nell Behler Questell, Helen Behler Matsel, and Jeanette Behler Smith. Her brother, Richard Behler of Carmi survives

Mary Alice worked at the White County Abstract office during the oil boom years from 1939 to 1952. Later at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Carmi, she worked to secure benefits for veterans throughout the area from 1969 through the early 1980's.

Mary Alice was a wonderful mother to her daughter, Rebecca J. Brashier, of Stuttgart, Germany, who survives. When Rebecca was in school, Mary Alice served as room mother, Jefferson School PTA president, band booster and loyal audience member for countless musical performances. She was adored not only by her daughter but also by her many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, who graciously included her in family celebrations, and honored her matriarchal status.

Mary Alice was a lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, serving as church secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, and active member of both the Fellowship Class, and Quilters and Crafters.

She was the family genealogist, active in the Daughters of the American Revolution Wabash Chapter, serving as Regent from 1985-1987. She was a lifelong member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliaries. She was an avid reader of newspapers, loved crossword puzzles, and was the person to ask for questions about Carmi, church and family history.

The family would like to thank the church family and the caring staff of Supportive Living of Wabash for making Mary Alice's life rich and meaningful in her last days. To honor her memory, practice patience, stay positive and love thy neighbor as she did always.

Funeral services for Mary Alice Brashier, 98, of Carmi, will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi with Mike Fields officiating. Burial will be in White County Memorial Gardens in Carmi. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at 11:00 a.m. It is in giving that we receive and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Donations to the Red Cross, the DAR Wabash Chapter, Wabash Christian Retirement Center. and the Jefferson School Outreach Fund of Emmanuel United Methodist Church may be made through Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.