Junie Mae Vest, age 89 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2014 at her residence in Elwood following an extended illness. She was born April 12, 1925 in Jacksonville, KY, the daughter of Samuel Henry and Etta Belle (Wilson) Napier. She retired in 1982 from Firestone Corporation in Noblesville where she worked in production for 30 years. She married James W. Vest on April 22, 1945, and they shared over 69 years of marriage together. Junie was formerly active in the Elwood Moose and Eagles lodges; was a member of the Steel Workers Union; and formerly a member of the Southside Wesleyan Church in Elwood. Junie was well-known for operating “J&J” Novelty Store in Elwood for many years. She enjoyed working with flowers, gardening, and formerly square dancing. More than anything, she was a devoted wife and mother for her large family.

Junie is survived by 5 children, Etta Phillips of Elwood, Loretta Wyatt of Elwood, Linda (Terry) Harmon of Summitville, James (Pamela) Vest of Elwood, and Wanda Morris of Ohio; sister, Eolia Napier of Anderson; 23 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Brenda Vest of Shelbyville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dale Vest; brother, Carl Napier; 2 sisters, Janie Barnett and Pearl Smallwood; grandson, Jack Wyatt; 2 great-grandchildren, Maverick Lashure and Jazmin Frazee; a great-great grandson, Christopher Vest; and son-in-law, Alan Morris.

A funeral service celebrating Junie’s life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Amos Carmichael officiating. Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.