Stephanie Atherton

Stephanie M. Atherton of Laredo, Texas passed away January 12, 2011 at her home. She was born in Lincoln, Illinois, January 20, 1919 "? the daughter of Frances and Jacob Lekan. She married Howard J. Smith of Chicago, Illinois who died August 8, 1970. Stephanie then married Arol M. Atherton of Laredo, Texas after they met on a Caribbean cruise. He died March 18, 1989.

"Stephie"" owned and operated Page Avenue Grocery Store and Deli in Harvey, Illinois for 35 years. After moving to Laredo, she worked at Las Cazuelas Restaurant as their cashier.

Along with her first and second husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister Veronica M. Axsom and brother Vincent Lekan.

Mrs. Atherton is survived by her son, Howard V. (Mary Ann) Smith of Manteno, Illinois, and grandsons LCDR Kevin P. Smith USN of Ankara, Turkey and Sean R. Smith of Los Angeles, California; daughter Constance Atherton Jones and grandson Walker A. Jones of San Antonio, Texas; step-son Charles (Magdalena) Atherton of Laredo, Texas and grandchildren Sonia A. Roach and Charles D. Atherton. Mrs. Atherton also has 4 great grandchildren.

Local Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, 956.722.0001. Arrangements in Illinois have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 21 N. Main St., Manteno, Illinois; (815) 468-8241.