Barbara D. Lemons, 90, Longtime Mount Vernon Resident, Passes Away

Faithful church member and US Army wife was active in community until the end

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:43pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the blurred outline of a small-town church steeple through a veil of condensation or rain, conceptually representing the quiet dignity and enduring community spirit of Barbara Lemons' life.The vibrant community life and enduring faith that defined Barbara Lemons' nine decades in Mount Vernon are captured in this impressionistic portrait.Mount Vernon Today

Barbara D. Lemons, a 90-year-old resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away on April 5, 2026 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital. She was born in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1935 and was a longtime member of Summersville Baptist Church, where she was active in the quilt ministry and vacation Bible school. Lemons was also a US Army wife who lived in several states and Germany over the years, and she later worked in retail before retiring.

Why it matters

Lemons' life story reflects the experiences of many Americans of her generation - serving as an Army spouse, working in retail, and remaining active in her local church community. Her passing marks the end of an era for Mount Vernon, as she was a fixture in the town for decades.

The details

Lemons is survived by her five children, 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her church involvement, she was a Jefferson County Senior Saint and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Lemons was preceded in death by her husband Harold, who passed away in 2017, as well as several siblings.

  • Barbara D. Lemons passed away on April 5, 2026 at 11:07 pm.
  • Lemons was born on April 23, 1935 in Janesville, Wisconsin.
  • Lemons married Harold Lemons on an unspecified date in 1957, and he preceded her in death on an unspecified date in 2017.

The players

Barbara D. Lemons

A 90-year-old resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois who was a longtime member of Summersville Baptist Church and an active participant in the church's quilt ministry and vacation Bible school. She was also a former US Army wife and worked in retail before retiring.

Harold Lemons

Barbara Lemons' husband, who passed away in 2017.

Elmer and Grace (Bruce) Crowder

Barbara Lemons' parents, who were deceased.

William Baxter

Barbara Lemons' stepfather, who was deceased.

Charles (Flora) Crowder and Everett Crowder

Barbara Lemons' brothers, who were deceased.

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The takeaway

Lemons' life exemplified the values of faith, family, and community that were so important to many Americans of her generation. Her passing marks the end of an era in Mount Vernon, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched over her 90 years.