Laffetta Buie

Laffetta Jean Buie left this world behind Friday, March 6, 2009, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Laffetta was born Feb. 4, 1920, in Holcomb, Mo., to Edgar and Viola Durham. She was one of eight children. She married J.H. Buie on Aug. 19, 1937. They had four children, Patsy, James, Loretta and Edward.

Her home was in Olive Branch, Ill., most of her life until she moved to Decatur, Ill., to be with her daughters.

Laffetta became a Christian at a young age and followed her religion faithfully throughout her life. She was a devoted attendee of Gospel Chapel in Decatur and was a member of Home League, a Christian Women's group at the Salvation Army.

Laffetta was a dedicated mother and housewife, an avid reader of the Bible and Bible-related books, and had many hobbies and talents.

She raised and rode horses in her younger years, crocheted, played the piano, sang, made patchwork quilts and loved to fish. She also maintained a large doll collection that brought her notoriety throughout Southern Illinois.

Her pleasant smile and calm demeanor, which is warmly remembered by friends and family, made her the perfect billboard model at age 82 for a health-care agency in Marion, Ill.

She is survived by daughters, Patsy Brodnicki-Vermast, Loretta Barnes; a son, Edward Buie; and a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her parents, five brothers, two sisters, a son (James Buie) and husband preceded her in death.

The funeral was held Sunday in Decatur. Burial was Monday in Olive Branch Cemetery in Olive Branch.

The family of Laffetta Jean Buie was served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Decatur.

View the online obituary and send condolences to the Buie family at www.moranandgoebel.com.