Falba Arlene (Owens) Core

Falba Arlene (Owens) Core, 96, of Jefferson City, died Saturday, May 19, at her home. She was born May 10, 1916, in Gulledge, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Robert Ezekiel and Della Rosa (Allen) Owens. She was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and attended Central College for Women in Conway, Arkansas where she trained to be a teacher. She taught school for several years in Arkansas. She was united in marriage May 1, 1937, in Pine Bluff to Robert Walker Core of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a minister with the United Methodist Church and their lives together covered serving numerous churches and administrative positions in Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri for over 43 years, until Rev. Core died in 1980. She was a resident of Jefferson City since 1975. In addition to her church work, she worked in full-time and part-time capacities for nearly 20 years for the Clerk's Office of the Supreme Court of Missouri. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Ruth Circle, Golden Circle member. An avid reader, a devout Cardinal and Mizzou fan, and one who loved to travel; she also was an expert cook and seamstress. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family and friends. At the age of 85, Falba began the Missouri Afghans for Angels Project, a program of providing handmade afghans to every birthing hospital in Missouri to be given to grieving parents upon the loss of a newborn or very young child. Forming an organization of volunteers to knit, crochet or quilt small afghans, raising funds for the delivery of afghans, and coordinating with birthing hospitals was her personal ministry to those experiencing grief due to the loss of a child. She continued this effort until her death. Falba is survived by her two daughters, Anne C. Walker, and husband E.C. of Austin, Texas and Jefferson City, and Lynne C. Angle, of Jefferson City, four grandchildren, S. Cotton Walker (wife Debra) of Jefferson City, Jeffrey M. Walker (wife Heather) of Rosemount, Minn., Ashley Angle, of Ashland, Mo., and Lesley Angle, of Austin, Texas and five great-grandchildren Jacquelyn and Quinn Walker of Jefferson City and Amber, Morgan, and Brooklyn Walker of Rosemount, Min. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and one son-in-law, Clyde P. Angle. As she wished, her body was donated to the University of Missouri Medical School, Columbia, Mo. for geriatrics studies. A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church/Afghans for Angels Fund, the Robert W. and Falba Core scholarship at Central Methodist University, or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com