Leona B. Durham, 80, of Benton, passed away at 5:10 p.m., on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion, IL.
She was born on December 24, 1940, in New Iberia, LA. She was one of 14 children born to Clifton and Vernice (Fitch) Bailey. Leona married Lawrence Sons in 1961, at a small Catholic Church in Patterson, LA. Leona and Lawrence were blessed with two children. Travis Sons and Kristal Sons Overturf and both reside in Benton IL with their families. Lawrence preceded Leona in death in 1979.
In 1986, Leona relocated her family to Illinois after marrying Larry Durham, who also preceded her in death in 2008.
Leona’s passion in life was her family. She loved being with her kids and grandkids, and they brought so much joy to her life. Leona could always be found supporting them at ballgames, sporting events, swimming lessons and anywhere else the kids were.
Leona was a blessing to her family and her family was the greatest blessing to her.
Leona is survived by her children, Travis (Melissa) Sons, Kristal Sons Overturf, Michael (Judy Williams) Durham and Wade (Angie) Durham; seven grandchildren, Tyler Sons, Trevin Sons, Ashlee Summers Neal, Max Summers, Cassie Durham, Grayson Durham and Camden Overturf; two great-grandchildren, Max Summers and Carter Neal; five brothers and three sisters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Vernice Bailey, first husband, Lawrence Sons, husband, Larry Durham, four brothers and one sister.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
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