Mary Rose Dunaway, 79, of Meredosia, IL, died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at her home. She was born June 27, 1943, in Winchester, the daughter of James Edward and Mildred Frances Peak King. She is survived by two sons and two daughters, Vernon (Peggy) Dunaway Jr. of East Peoria, Tina (Joe) Taylor of Bluffs, Jeannie (David) Freesen of Meredosia, and Tom Dunaway of Hannibal, MO; eight grandchildren, Samantha, Dayle, Sam, Jordan, Aaron, Logan (Alissa), Hannah, and Rowan (Donna); four great grandchildren, Audrey, Jameson, Kevin, and Karen; one sister, Betty Bentley of Springfield; and one brother, Robert (Judy) King of Salem, AL. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons in infancy, James Everett Dunaway and David Wayne Dunaway; one grandson, Robert Schwalb; and two sisters, Charity Campbell and Lucy Roberts. Mary cleaned houses for over 30 years. She was an active member of Meredosia Church of Christ. She had strong political convictions, loved her church family and her friends in the community, was always on the go, and enjoyed helping others. Mary especially loved her family. The family will host a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Meredosia Church of Christ. Memorials are suggested to Meredosia Church of Christ or Meredosia Rescue Squad. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. .