Mona Lisa (Williams) Bayer

Mona Lisa Williams Bayer, 62, of Equality, surrounded by her loving family, passed away at 5:41 pm on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Evansville, Ind.  Mona was born on March 14, 1955, in Eldorado, the daughter of Bob and Leah (Brinkley) Williams. She received a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1976. For over three decades she was a firm but compassionate Probation Officer in Gallatin and Hardin counties.  Mona married the love of her life, Bernard Bayer, on August 14, 1976, and instantly became the World’s Best Stepmother to Lisa and Mark Bayer. On March 2, 1990, she and Bernie were blessed with their brilliant and beautiful daughter, Jarah Jillian. Mona was a lifelong member of Equality Presbyterian Church, pastored by both her grandfather T.Y. Williams and her uncle Jerry Williams. She is survived by her parents and husband; her daughters Jarah Scates (Alex) of Evansville and Lisa Bayer (John Gehner) of Athens, Georgia; son Dr. Mark Bayer (Pam) of Charleston, Illinois; grandchildren Jackson, Addison, and Ashlyn Bayer and Ayla, Lily, and Wyatt Gehner; sister Janice Lane (Bill) of Equality; precious nieces Tera Henson (Wes); Tami Logsdon (Jack); and Megan Jackson (Jeremy); dozens of great-nieces and nephews including Will and Lane Henson; Daine and Dawson Hish; and Audrey and Grant Jackson; and the extended Williams and Bayer families. Most important, MoMo will watch from heaven for the arrival of her grandson Crew Alexander Scates in October.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents Charles and Jewell Brinkley and T.Y. and Louise Williams and granddaughter Grace Anne Bayer. She is also missed terribly by her furbabies Maggie, Tinker, and Taz.  Mona will be remembered for her smile and laugh, good nature, generosity, unconditional love for everyone in her life, and deep and abiding Christian faith.  The family will receive friends Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 5to 8 pm at Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality.  The funeral will be held Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Equality.   Memorials may be made to Equality Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 184 N. Calhoun Street, Equality, IL 62934.