Julia Mabel French

Julia Mabel French, 95, of Champaign, IL, formerly of Metamora, IL passed way at 7:05 am on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Heartland Nursing Home, Champaign. She was born on September 10, 1920 in Beattyville, KY to Charles and Myrtle (Irwin) Yeater. She was the only girl and had four brothers, Everette "Hoolie", Edward, William "Bill", and Dean. A fifth brother, David, died in a house fire around 10-12 years old. Her dad worked in the coal mines in Kentucky. She loved the song "Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn. Mabel was a coal miner's daughter! When the children were young, the family moved to Laona, Wisconsin and where Mabel grew up. She married William "Bill" Thomas. She later married her second husband, John Earl French, on October 9, 1946 in Toulon, IL. He passed away on July 30, 1986. Surviving are her children William (Delores) Thomas of Champaign and Betty Lou Roso of Metamora; her granddaughter Deborah (Roger) Schieber of Metamora who was raised by Mabel and John; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter Leona Mae McDermott and her five brothers. After her marriage to John, they moved back north to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She was a waitress and worked at the Rhinelander CafAC.. Betty Lou had a daughter named Deborah and was living at home with her mom and step-dad. John worked as a mechanic. When he was laid off, they decided to move back to Peoria where his family was from and they brought Deborah, age 3, with them to raise. In Peoria, Mabel worked at Andy's Restaurant on Knoxville Avenue. Later the name was changed to "The Alcove" Restaurant. The owners retired and closed the business. She worked for the Brock Corporation known as "The Holiday Inn" in East Peoria as a waitress in the restaurant. A lot of country and western singers would stay there when they were performing in the area. She was able to meet a lot of them over the years. She retired from there to take care of John as his health deteriorated. John and Mabel bought a house and moved to Metamora in 1984. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Metamora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 612 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.