Becky Sue O’Brien

Becky Sue O’Brien, 77, Palmyra, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.

Becky was born in Hannibal, Mo., to John W. and Mary Nell Harris Morris. She was married to George R. O’Brien on Feb. 9, 1964. He preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 2003.

Survivors include her children, Tim O’Brien (Shawn), Kelly Lillard (Carl) and Colin O’Brien (Joanna), all of Palmyra; brother, Bill Morris (Debbie), Palmyra; grandchildren, Kelsey, Tanner and Jeorgia O’Brien, Aiden and Ethan O’Brien and Mason and Madison Lillard; great-grandchildren, Stevie and Scout O’Brien, Hayden Myers and baby Beckett Myers on the way.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 39 years, George O’Brien; and “bonus father,” Morris Kroeger, also affectionately known as Papa to all the grandkids.

Becky was affectionately known by many as a “force of nature”, “a spitball” and the “house mom”, where you knew it was her way or the highway. 

In all seriousness though, she loved each one of the many kids who she took care of and mentored over the years. Her heart and home were full of love and support for anyone who came through the doors. 

Becky and her husband enjoyed square dancing with the Great River Rompers, playing volleyball with Howard’s Bunny Club at the high school, boating, swimming in the pool, and many other outdoor activities with the kids. 

Becky was passionate about her flower garden, tending to the beautiful flowers in her yard. She was a committed Sunday School teacher and youth group leader for many years; loving the Lord and teaching the children, were both near and dear to her heart. Becky was a member of the BLP Club and volunteered with the Flower Children, a Relay for Life group to support cancer survivors. Becky was a bright shining light for her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 21, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel. Pastors Dewayne Larenson, and Eric Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery on Route A in Palmyra.

Pallbearers will be Howard Disselhorst, J.D. Ragar, Tony Mencer, Luke Myers, Scott Lewis, Steve Lewis and Phil Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers will be her “kids,” Chloe and Cole Shade, Noah and Evan Mencer, Grant and Carter Powell, Travis Barnett, Scott, Jay, Angie, and Lee Gard, Katie and Sam Romersburger, Norah, Wyatt, and Kasen Augspurg, Whittney Franklin, Gussie and Keller Shemwell, Aubrey and Sydney Hillman, Ava Browning, Caroline Kizer, Olivia Lehenbauer, Olivia Schroeder, Bralynn Kerley, Bazil Keller, Mason Franklin, Brittney and Beau Powell, Ragar and Rylie McKinney, Shane Gard, Chris Klauser, Glendon and Brett Griesbaum, Scott and Steve Lewis, Leigh Anne Peterson (Lewis); family, Kelsey, Tanner, Jeorgia, Aiden, Ethan, Mason, Madison, and Brooke; caregivers, Angel Powers, Allison Lain, Stephanie Powell, Scarlett McMullen and Tanya Tasco Riley.

Friends and family are invited to Becky’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to either Marion County 4-H or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.