Emma Jane Eyman, 97, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation in Greenville, Illinois. Services for Emma will be held Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville, Illinois. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dee Armes officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Auburn cemetery in Greenville, following services.
Born May 12th, 1928, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Benjamin and Pearl (nee Elmore) Minor, Emma was raised on the family farm and graduated from Vandalia High School. She met John Glasgow Eyman, and they married on August 15, 1948. Their travels together, especially the trip to Hawaii, were amongst her most cherished memories. They spent 54 years together before his passing on April 10th, 2003.
She worked at Brown Shoe Factory, the local 5 and Dime store, and helped her husband with farming. Above all, Emma devoted her life to raising her four children and caring for her family, which remained her greatest pride and joy.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Hookdale. She lived her faith through her actions- always putting others before herself and offering kindness to everyone she met. She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: tending to her garden, caring for her yard, attending community picnics and listening to music.
Emma will be remembered as witty, selfless, and truly one of a kind – a precious gem with a heart of gold. She was loving, loyal, compassionate, and humble, with a comical and spunky spirit that brought joy to those around her. She was, above all, the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Benjamin & Pearl, husband, John; siblings, Thelma Hopkins, Lou Meseke, Helen Wagner, Nell Moreland, Beaulah Dulgar, Vaughn Schmitt, Betty Harnetiaux, Norma Jean, and Burl Minor.
Emma is survived by her children: John Michael Eyman of St. Louis, Missouri, Linda (Jon) Bircher of Greenville, Illinois, Norma Virtue of Dubuque, Iowa and Helen (Rick Groeteka) Long of Greenville, Illinois; grandchildren, Jennifer Dragusica, Stephanie Sharp, Angela (Rick) Forant and Christopher Virtue; great grandchildren, Taylor and Nicholas Forant, Ashley, Bailey, Dylan and Allyson Dragusica, Jacob Adams, Megan Thompson; great-great-grandchildren, Gavin Dragusica, Harvey Thompson; brother, Bob (Bonnie) Minor; many extended family and friends.
Memorial donations in Emma’s honor may be made to: Bond County Senior Center, 1001 E. Harris Ave., Greenville, Illinois 62246; Bond County Humane Society, 2510 S. Elm Street., Greenville, Illinois 62246; Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090; VFW Bond County Post #1377, PO Box 373, Greenville, Illinois 62246.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
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