LELA "MAE" (Messamore Brothers) CHISM, 79, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away at 6:40 pm, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Belleville, Illinois. She was born to the late Everett James and Ethel Lulu (nee Forby) Messamore on January 16, 1933 in Pomona, Illinois. As most children of the Depression Era; Mae had a very simple life and upbringing. In the early 1950's, Mae met Leo James "Jim" Brothers. They married June 22, 1953 and were blessed with four children. Jim passed away on April 17, 1990. Although perfectly content in her singleness, Mae reluctantly agreed to a blind date with a friend's uncle, Harry Chism. Mae & Harry fell in love and married September 6, 1997. They enjoyed seven years of marriage and cherished every moment of their lives together until his passing on December 19, 2003. Mae spent her life taking care of the home; where she prepared wonderful dinners and pies for her family and friends. She had an outgoing spirit of hospitality. She enjoyed spending time with her friends in the Morning Coffee Group and also the Lunch Bunch. Mae was an awesome Grandmother. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Sparta, Illinois. Survivors: 4 Children Donna Brothers Gaithersburg, MD Karen Brothers Hollrah Ava, MO Janice Brothers Columbia, MO Scott & Kim Brothers Sparta, IL Daughter-in-law Kay Chism O'Fallon, IL 5 Grandchildren Nicholas (Candyce) Daly, James Hollrah, Kelbe Hollrah, Adam Brothers, and Austin Brothers 1 Great Grandson Jonathan Daly Dear Friends Mike & Wanda Peck and their children Tyler, Nicole & Sarah Many Friends and her extended Church Family Preceded in death by Parents, Husbands - Jim & Harry and 2 Brothers - James and Gerald Messamore Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 23, 2012 First Baptist Church, Sparta, Illinois Officiating: Pastor Brother Tim Gregory Interment: Caledonia Cemetery Sparta, Illinois Visitation: Tuesday - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday - 8:00 am - 10:00 am First Baptist Church, Sparta, Illinois Memorials: First Baptist Church, Sparta, Illinois Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements.
