Muriel A. Stephens-Gilman, 94, of Fairbury died at 6:26 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 31, 2007) at Fairview Haven Nursing Home, Fairbury.

Stephens-Gilman was born Aug. 4, 1912, in rural Fairbury, the oldest daughter of Bert Henry and Vera Ellen Fitzgerald Taylor.

She married Gaylord A. Stephens in 1935 and later married Dr. William Gilman in 1985.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Ellen (Dennis) Weber, and a son, Gary Kent (Judy Mygatt) Stephens, both of Fairbury; five grandchildren, Shelley (Dirk) Schilling, Wheaton; and Stephen Weber, Kara (James) Aberle and Clint (Crissy) Stephens, all of Fairbury; four great-grandchildren, Sydney Schilling, Nicholas Aberle, and Jadyn and Kyla Stephens; three sisters, Bethal Stein, Washington; Vivian Walton, Bloomington; and Constance (Bob) Van Dyke, Morton; a brother, Bruce (Dolores) Taylor, Champaign; and a sister-in-law, Mildred Taylor, Normal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, one sister, her husband, and a grandson, Sean Weber.

She attended Cropsey schools and graduated from Federal Art School. She was a professional artist having sold many paintings over the years. She also illustrated a children's book and had entertained for many programs with her chalk art drawings. She sold Avon and with her flair for fashion, she enjoyed working at several ladies clothing stores.

She enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with her family.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Fairbury, and a past member of Eastern Star, Fairview Friendship Club, and the Amitytown Society of Painters of Pontiac.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and wife. She will be sadly missed by her family and everyone who knew her.

Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL) - Monday, February 5, 2007