Mary Hamblin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Verta Hamblin, 66, of Bonne Terre, she departed this life suddenly at her home on December 16, 2024. Born on April 12, 1958, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Mary was a beloved daughter of William Lee and Geraldine Lee (Shannon) Horton. Mary was tenacious, authentic, and her love for her children and grandkids especially, was boundless. Mary had been through much, but she was a woman who embodied strength, resilience, and perseverance. Mary was unyielding in her ideas and what she thought was right. There was no such thing as a stranger to her and no one may ever know how charitable she really was.

As a former member of the Desloge VFW, Mary was an advocate for veterans, especially her retired navy husband whom she loved with all her heart. She was also a supporter of The Red Cloud Indian School, where she found joy in contributing to the assistance in helping to preserve native culture, language, and healing. Mary was also involved in Native storytelling at schools, sharing beading and her frybread skills with young students.

Her deep connection to nature was obvious as she was a champion for rescue animals and all things feathered and furry. This was evident in the consistently full feeders she always kept in her yard and her extremely spoiled pets. Mary also cherished the time spent with the love of her life and their dog Pepper, travelling across the country, where they sold her handmade art and mingled with beloved friends at powwows. 

The river is something Mary missed fiercely after her health declined, but surely, she is fishing on the water right now with her beloved father; William Horton, who preceded her in death. She is also reunited with her husband; Stephen “Bruce” Hamblin; son in infancy, Joshua Juergens; granddaughter, Alana McDavid; sister, Anna Curtis; and one nephew, J.W. Curtis.

Mary is survived by Jennifer Ferguson and husband Shane, Melissa Evers and husband Albert; two stepsons, Joshua Hamblin and fiancée Jennifer and USAF Staff Sergeant Mark Hamblin and wife Kimberly; five grandchildren, Hailey, Albert (fiancée Kaylie) Madilyn, Tanner, and Sophia; mother, Geraldine Horton; sisters, Angela Delbert and husband Mike, Geneva Riccio and husband Bruce; nieces, Christina, Michelle, Samantha, Rebecca, Shannon, Amy and Sandra; other family members and friends also survive.

A graveside service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 12:45 PM. The family will go in procession from C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge at 11:15 AM. Memorials may be directed to mahpiyaluta.org, Farmington Pet Adoption Center or PSP.org in honor of Mary’s memory.

Help Mary’s vibrant spirit live on in every garden you tend, every bird you feed, and every act of kindness towards animals in need.