Mary Furlong

Mary Furlong, 85, of Kell was welcomed Home by her Lord and Savior after spending her last moments on her Earthly home, surrounded by the love of her family on, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Salem Township Hospital in Salem, IL. She was born on April 22, 1938, the daughter of Grover and Blanche (Ellis) Spencer in Mt. Vernon. She married the love of her life, Robert Furlong on September 24, 1960, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Odin and he preceded her in death in April of 2001.

Survivors that were inspired by Mary’s unshakable faith include her beloved and devoted family, her sons, Bobby Furlong and wife Miriam of Centralia, and Brad Furlong and wife Beth of Kell; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Keller, Shawn Keller, Heather Beal, Lindsay (Josh) Wilson, Drew (Amanda) Furlong, Ashley (Casey) Paris, and Bailey (Ethan) Hawkins; precious great-grandchildren, Landon Tate, Jacy Tate, Logan Wood, Jackson Wood, Lily Wood, Brandon Wood, Madison Keller, Adalyn Keller, Breyer Beal, Beckham Beal, Saylor Beal, Riley Wilson, Emma Wilson, Owen Wilson, and Teagan Paris; brothers, Jim Spencer of Odin, and Grover Ed (JoAnn) Spencer of Odin; faithful friend, Flora Mae Isaak; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Along with her husband, Robert Furlong, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Blanche Spencer; her sisters, Madeline Waddell, Etta Bouillion, Ethel Kilpatrick; and her son, Bill Keller.

Mary was a loyal employee of Warren G. Murray Center in Centralia for 20 years until her retirement. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in Odin. Mary kept her love of the Lord no secret and she loved to share how fortunate she was to walk with Him and how grateful she was for the countless ways He blessed her life. Mary was thankful for the community she called home, where she played an active role, serving as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Centralia Chapter No 353, and a member of the Centralia Moose Lodge #1219. She had an appreciation for music, especially gospel and classic country, tapping her toe to the beat of her favorite singer, Jimmy Fortune. She was a natural caregiver, caring with patience and compassion for her husband, other family members, and friends over the years. In her free time, she found great enjoyment and sense of accomplishment while crocheting and sewing Halloween costumes and May fete dresses. She was the St. Louis Cardinals biggest fan, and she loved the energy of watching her favorite players from the stands during her yearly trip with the ladies to the stadium. Her family was her heart and her love for them extended to her family’s dogs as she made sure to ask how they were and treated them like grandchildren. Mary was the most loving and devoted Granny. She took every opportunity to show her support for her beloved grandchildren, cheering them on from the stands at their sporting events, making every birthday special, and holding back tears of pride at their graduations. Mary will be remembered as a true lady of faith, a loving, generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and as the pillar of her family.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Ray Barnes officiating. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to Bethel Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Mary may be shared with her family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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