Nancy B. Garner — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Nancy B. Garner, 94, of Quincy, passed away at 10:35 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Blessing Hospital, surrounded by her family and entered the gates of heaven. She left us with tears in our eyes and a broken heart, but we rest easy knowing that she met her family and our dad.

Nancy was born September 21, 1930, in Ilasco, MO to Asa and Florence (Haynes) Harbourn and was a graduate of Ilasco High School. As a teenager she was employed by Steven’s Grocery, and shortly after that she met Donald E. Garner. They were married on July 20, 1951, in Temple, Texas. Their partnership was blessed with three wonderful children, marking the beginning of a family legacy that would be Nancy’s pride and joy. Donald preceded her in death on April 15, 2021.

Nancy’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family to her career as a nurse’s aide, which she began training for in 1970 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She dedicated herself to caring for others at Sunset Nursing Home until her retirement in 1987. Her compassion and warmth touched the lives of many throughout her career. Nancy was also instrumental in the beginning of Modern Printing with Donald and was a great support to him.

A devout Christian, Nancy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of the Emmanuel Church of Nazarene, where she taught bible school and Sunday school, sharing her love for the Lord with all who crossed her path.

Nancy’s affection for her canine companions, Tippy, Suzi, Beau, and Lucy, was matched only by her love for her family. Known as the best mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Nancy’s home was a haven for neighborhood children, whom she embraced as her own. She was a mentor, coach, and provider of endless meals and support, earning her the affectionate title of ‘grandma’ to all. Nancy’s influence as the family’s glue cannot be overstated; she encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to chase their dreams with vigor and passion. Her legacy is one of love, determination, and the unwavering belief in the potential of her loved ones.

Survivors include her three children, Frank L. Garner (Brenda), Linda Garner (John Strieker), and LouAnn Smith (James, all of Quincy; four grandchildren, Matthew Garner (Lisa), Nicci Garner, Jamie Terstegge (Molly), and Robert Strieker (Christine); seven great-grandchildren, Kailey, Jaydon, Gavin, Cecelia, Mason, Savannah, and Bobby; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers and sisters, Ruth Bates, Orlie “Buck” Harbourn, Orville “Buddy” Harbourn, Lydia Schmidt, Asael Dryden, Thomas Edward Harbourn, Fredrick DeWitt Harbourn, Jessie Poage, Howard Harbourn, John Harbourn, David Harbourn and one lifelong friend, Edith Spadafore.

Friends and Family are invited to Nancy’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Monday, June 2, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene in Quincy. Chaplain Jim Smith OFS will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene.

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