BARBARA ANN ERWIN

Barbara Ann Erwin of Johnston City, age 66, passed away April 29, 2010 at Herrin Hospital at 9:53 a.m. after a long battle with cancer.

Barbara was born May 10, 1943 in Marion, Illinois to Floyd Gurley Jr. and Betty Jo (Armstrong) Gurley. She married Ronald Lawrence Erwin December 12, 1964 in Johnston City. Together they shared an engagement of three years and forty-six years of marriage. He survives.

Barbara graduated from Johnston City High School in 1961 and Southern Illinois University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. When student teaching at Marion High School, she created, developed and taught a gymnastics program consisting of floor and free exercise and balance beam that was incorporated into the girls' physical education curriculum.

She had been employed by the Little Egypt Credit Bureau and the Little Egypt Employment Agency of Johnston City. She worked many years for the Johnston City Community Unit #1 School District as a substitute teacher. She also was a home-bound instructor for the Williamson County Special Education Department. Barbara was also employed several years as a Continuing Education Instructor for John A. Logan College of Carterville, Illinois.

Barbara had been a former Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for Shagbark Council and a charter member and officer of the Dame-Marion Temple #327 of Pythian Sisters. She was a Southern Illinois University alumni Association member and a member of the educational society of the A.A.H.P.E.R. She was also a member of the former Free Will Baptist Church of Johnston City.

Barbara loved making flower arrangements, all types of crafts and cooking. She loved working outside in her flower and rock gardens. Most of all, she loved spending time with and attending activities of her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Lawrence Erwin, a daughter, Chandra Jennings and husband Tim, and grandchildren Dakota and Savannah Jennings all of Johnston City. She is also survived by brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: Gerald "Frenchie" Erwin and Brenda of Johnston City and James Erwin and Debbie of Flower Mound, Texas. Nephews: Carl Sandstrom of Johnston City, Quint Erwin of Flower Mound, Texas and Ryan Erwin and Diane of League City, Texas. Nieces: Andrea Erwin of Coppall, Texas and Michelle Erwin and Christi Childress and Mike of Johnston City. Aunts: Maxine Atkins of Oblong, Illinois and Shirley Kays of Vista, California. Cousins: Sharon Atkins of Robinson, Illinois, Vernon Atkins of Lemon Grove, California, Judy Atkins of National City, California and Jack Armstrong of Marion, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her grand parents, parents and several aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or cemetery. In accordance with her wishes, her body will be cremated. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Robert Korchik and the staff of Southern Illinois Hematology and Oncology and Pastor Larry Stevens.

Graveside rites and ceremony will be held for family and friends at 11:00 A.M. on Monday May 3, 2010 at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City with Pastor Larry Stevens officiating. Murman & Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.