Faune Edmonds

Faune Mae Edmonds, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, at the age of 90. Surrounded by the family she cherished and who cherished her, she spent her last days, embodying the deep love and devotion that defined her life. Faune was known for her vibrant spirit, endless kindness, culinary talent, sharp card-playing skills, and the way she welcomed everyone into her heart and home.

Born Faune Mae Emigh on December 3, 1934, in Grovertown, Indiana, she was the second youngest of six children born to Harvey and Lillian Emigh. In 1955, while waitressing in a restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Edmonds. Jim saw her and instantly fell head over heels. They went on to have three beautiful children — Rick Edmonds, Crystal Powell, and Robin Deering — and lived in several states during Jim’s service in the U.S. Air Force. When Jim left for Vietnam, Faune missed him terribly but kept things going at home. She cared for their children and other wives on the Air Force Base and would write letters to her beloved Jim. In true Faune fashion, her kindness and love didn’t only extend to her own family. It spread across continents. Jim once wrote to Faune about a group of homeless boys he encountered in Vietnam. Moved by their stories, Faune immediately began raising funds to support them, leading to the founding of an orphanage initially called Boys Town, later renamed Boys Town Plus One when they found a young girl who needed a home.

After Jim’s military service, the couple settled in Marion, Illinois, where they built a home just south of town. In 1990, Faune relocated to Alton, Illinois, where she worked at the Alton Belle Casino, rising from hostess and waitress to Food and Beverage Manager. During her lifetime, she held many jobs in food service and management, which was how she loved to care for others. Food was her love language, and this is one of the many ways she spread love and joy to those around her. After spending time running the roads between Alton and Marion, Faune finally decided to hang up her keys and move in with her daughter, Robin, in 2015 to spend her time enjoying the things she loved most: family, games, laughter, and deep connection. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life. She instilled in them her values of unconditional love, kindness, and a generous spirit.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Edmonds, and her siblings, Harvey Emigh, Jack Emigh, Mary Lowry, and Donald Emigh.

 She is survived by her brother, Lewis Emigh of Brookville, Indiana. Faune is also survived by her children: • James Ricky Edmonds • Crystal Powell and her husband, Kelley • Robin Deering and her long-time devoted partner, Jerry Pulley And her grandchildren: • Jessica Calvert and her husband, Zachary • Dustin Edmonds and his wife, Courtney • Rachel Fox and her wife, Hilary. Great-grandchildren: • Shepard and Rooney Fox. She also leaves behind many cherished family members and friends, including Melanie Emigh Swartz, Abby Jelaji, Margot Jelaji, Judy Frazier, Deborah Frazier, Mary Ellen Mornout, Heather Cassanova, Nicola Carone, Tony Deering, Angie West Roberts, Kenny Roberts, Ashton Rorer, Sallie Suprenant, Brian Suprenant, Jimmy Francis, Samantha Francis Buschman, Paulie Francis, and many other nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. Faune’s legacy lives on in the smiles of her children and grandchildren, the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love she poured into the lives of all who knew her. Though we are heartbroken by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing with Jesus, reunited with her beloved James, and surrounded by loved ones. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. A private service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Faune’s memory to Christian Life Church in Herrin, Illinois, where she was a devoted member. Christian Life Church, PO Box C, Herrin, IL 62948.