Lerona Kay Pryor passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at her home in Waterloo, IL. She was 76 years old.

 

Lerona was born on August 29, 1948 to James L. Parker and Sophia M. (Kleinschmidt) Parker in Metropolis, IL. She attended Zion Lutheran Grade School in Litchfield, IL and Immanuel Lutheran Grade School in Mt. Olive, IL. She graduated from Mt. Olive High School in the Class of 1966. She attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and earned a Business Degree. Lerona married Jay L. Pryor on June 12, 1971 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL.. He survives. Lerona was employed by the State of Illinois, Department of Public Health, Springfield, IL, Lincoln Public Schools Food Service, Lincoln, NE, and Parkview Elementary, Columbia, IL.  She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, IL and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Lerona had several hobbies that she enjoyed. Her favorites were baking, knitting, reading, and being an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals .

 

Lerona is survived by her husband, Jay, a daughter, Jami L. Pryor of Litchfield, IL, a son, Justin L. (Maggie) Pryor of Beatrice, NE, two grandchildren: Hadleigh Pryor and Avery Pryor of Beatrice, NE, a brother, Damon (Carolyn) Parker of Herculaneum, MO, a sister-in-law Sharon Parker of Noblesville, IN, and a brother-in-law, David Kernich, of Mt. Olive, IL.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Sophia Parker, a brother, Terry Parker, and a sister, Donna Kernich.

 

Visitation will take place at Becker and Son Funeral Home on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 5 - 7 p.m. A second visitation will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Tony Troup officiating. Interment will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL. A lunch for family and friends will take place immediately following interment at Immanuel Lutheran Church Education Building in Mt. Olive, IL.

 

Memorials are suggested to Angie’s Purpose, 6274 Ole Still Drive, Waterloo, IL, Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois, Belleville, IL (Orange Team South), Zion Lutheran School, 1301 North State Street, Litchfield, IL, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 111 East Main, Mt. Olive, IL.

 

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at  beckerandson.com.