Tyler “T.J.” Lowery, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend was called home too soon on February 19th, 2025 at the young age of 34. Randy and Michelle (Huff) Lowery welcomed T.J. into the world on September 12th, 1990 and raised him in Woodlawn, Illinois with his sisters Andria and Whitney. As a middle child, and only boy, he never stood a chance against Barbies, dress-up and pink nail polish.

In 2009, T.J. graduated from Woodlawn High School building friendships and hobbies that would last a lifetime. It was here he found his passion for cars and paintball. His weekends quickly became filled with customizing his Sykotic team gear, traveling to tournaments and cruising with the Midwest Sho Boyz car club. He made a million friends and left a thousand laughs wherever he went. To know T.J. was a gift and an honor.

T.J. wore his small-town roots with pride sporting camo print every chance he got, counting down the days to hunting season and celebrating Opening Day as a local holiday. He knew more about fishing than Bill Dance could have ever dreamed. When he wasn’t in a duck blind or cruising the water, you could find him at home grilling, all winter long, with an Xbox controller in his hand and his dogs, Axel and Orion, curled up at his feet.

We will never know why God needed him more than we did. It’s for certain his guardian angels were greeted by his loving personality and infectious smile in Heaven. He was embraced by his mom, Michelle; grandparents John and Elsie Gockel and Norman and Peggy Huff; grandfather Jim Lowery; uncle, Dean Shafer.

T.J. will forever live on in the hearts of his father, Randy Lowery; long-term girlfriend Devon Sowl; sisters, Andria Clarke, Whitney Walker and Caitlyn Lowery; brother-in-law Bert Walker; aunts, Joan Shafer, Diana Hirons, Gay Lynn Huff and Tonya Eubanks; uncle, Mike Eubanks; niece, Wrenley Walker; nephews Brennon Walker and Sawyer Clarke; special friends, Sam Thacker and Renee Sussman; cousins Doug Shafer and Chad Hirons, along with the countless friends and extended family who were blessed to know him.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations or adoptions be made to an animal charity or shelter in honor of T.J.’s love for his sweet boys.

Rita Lynn Branson, 72, of Marion, left this earth at 11:04 PM Wednesday February 26, 2025.

She was born on October 17, 1952 in Mulkeytown to Dock and Thelma (Long) Hammonds.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Kenny) Tucker and Sarah Kelly. She was a grandmother to six grandchildren Laird Tucker, Londyn Tucker, Drake Prater, Arianna Bennett, Doug Kelly and Nadia Kerley. She has one great grandchild Rory Bennett. She is also survived by two sisters Wlma Ogilvie and Debbie Manion. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother, father, five brothers Francis, Lee, Jerry, Leroy and Jessie Hammonds and two sisters Shirley Kirchner and Sue Majdich.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Dean Hammonds officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Salem.

Rita will be remembered for her sweet smile and she was loved dearly by her family and friends.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Ora Jean Hitt, 96, passed away peacefully at 7:58 a.m., on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Reflections Memory Care in Herrin, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 17, 1928, to William and Beulah (Gore) Moore in St. Louis, MO. On July 10, 1946, she married Herbert Dwight Hitt, and he preceded her in death on October 24, 2002.

She was a dedicated member of the Rend City Baptist Church in Rend City, where she cherished her faith and the sense of community it provided.

Known affectionately as “Jean” by her family and friends, she was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Jean’s life was filled with love and joy. She found happiness in planting flowers, designing beautiful flower beds, and spending time in her greenhouse, where she created her own little piece of paradise. She loved shopping at local greenhouses for the perfect plants and flowers, always eager to tend to her garden.

As a cook, Jean’s heart and soul went into every meal she prepared. Her family will always remember the wonderful dishes she lovingly made for birthdays, holidays and family gatherings. She was especially known for her irresistible cookies and sweets, which became a beloved treat for everyone around her.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Brenda J. Crabtree (Bob) of Carterville; Peggy L.Hall (Jerry) of Benton; her son, Dwight D. Hitt (Rita) of Mulkeytown and her grandchildren, James R, Miller Jr, (Patti) of Benton; Melisa Miller (Susan) of New York; Cherie Morgan (Delshay) of Valier; Kevin Hall (Jamie) of Herrin; Cory Hitt of Marion; Ryan Sabo (Jacob) of Oklahoma; Jayson Sabo of Benton; Julie Montgomery (Randy) of Christopher and Lori Hubbard of Christopher. Jean was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren, each whom brought her great joy.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Beulah (Gore) Moore, her husband, Herbert D. Hitt, her youngest daughter, Lisa Jean Sabo; her son-in-law, Raymond Sabo; her beloved grandson, Bryan Scott Hall and her four amazing brothers: Wesley Moore, Rodney Moore, Dean Moore and William Moore.

Jean’s family is grateful for the love and care she received at Reflections Memory Care and the family expresses heartfelt thanks to all who support her in her final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Jean’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Flora Alfoldy, 92, of Buckner, passed away on Monday February 24, 2025 at Axiom Healthcare of Mt Vernon.

She was born on August 6, 1932 in Buckner, IL to Alex and Lena (Miller) Alfoldy.

She is survived by her siblings, sister Janice Alfoldy of Buckner, Alex “Buddy” (Chris) Alfoldy of Pinole CA and Eugene “Skip” (Diane) Alfoldy of San Diego, CA and several other close family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Elsie Lake, Helen Alfoldy and Margaret Murphy and one brother John Alfoldy.

Flora’s wishes were to be cremated, there will be a Memorial Mass at a later date.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Zona Lynn Hampleman, 79, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025.

Zona was born July 26, 1945, in Murl, Kentucky. The daughter of Frank Ramsey and Eva (Sloan) Ramsey. One of six children, Zona grew up in a home full of laughter, music, and faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

During her life, Zona enjoyed many different careers and activities: including, payroll specialist for PMC Inc. (retired 2019), becoming a licensed hairdresser, and most notably a homemaker for her two children: Lynnette and Jerry Jr. She enjoyed seeing movies with friends and reading mystery novels.

Zona loved music and dancing. She would often create songs about the little things that would happen in her daily life and sing them with her grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy. She had an unmistakable laugh and a knack for making people feel like they were the most important person in the room. But most of all, Zona loved Jesus. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Sesser, and, throughout her life she held an unwavering faith in God. Her faith was the foundation of her life and her family remembers that she commonly exclaimed “Thank Ya Jesus!” She will be missed, remembered, and cherished for the beautiful life she lived. Now Zona will be able spend eternity with her Savior in Heaven.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynnette Jones, and son, Jerry (Nancy) Hampleman Jr.; mother-in-law, Winona Hampleman; sister, Noive Keith; brothers, Joe (Coleen) Ramsey and Frank (Mary) Ramsey; four grandchildren, Blake (Erica) Hampleman, Luke (Alysha) Clark-Hampleman, Zachary Crocker, Hanah (Seth) Dean; and four great-grandchildren, Skylar Crocker, Myles Crocker, Kayson Furlow, Eva Flood, and Jaxx Dean.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother in-law, Claude and Betty Hampleman; sister, Janice Vogt; brother-in-law, Robert Vogt; sister, June Adams; great-grandchild, Ella Flood.

A celebration of life will be held at The First Baptist Church of Sesser on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 12:00pm with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The First Baptist Church-Sesser.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with arrangements.

Georgia Jean Wagner (Reid), age 77 of Benton passed away Monday, Feb 17, 2025 at 11:26 am at home under Hospice care surrounded by her daughters and friends.

She was born to George and Virginia “Beth” (Moore) Reid on May 19, 1947 in Sesser.

Georgia loved being a homemaker. She always said she had the greatest job in the world and caring for her family brought her such joy. Georgia was adored by her loving family.

Her most favorite place to be in the world was at the beach with her loving family and she always looked forward to that every year. She loved spending time with them by the ocean enjoying the sun, sand, waves, and the feeling of togetherness.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Kerry and Shelly.

She is preceded in death by her husband Terry Wagner, her parents George Reid and Virginia “Beth” (Moore) Reid, her sister Ginger Reid Marlette and her beloved Maltese, Winnie.

Per Georgia’s wishes, cremation will be accorded.

Services for Georgia Jean Wagner will be in private.

The cremation of Georgia Jean Wagner will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.

Emily Ann Watkins, 23, of Benton, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana.

She was born on July 31, 2001 in Carbondale, Illinois to Aaron and Elizabeth ( Willett ) Watkins.

Emily loved to go to concerts and enjoyed playing Tennis and Hand Ball. She was a graduate of Benton High School in 2018.

She is survived by her father, Aaron Watkins and companion Jesse Cover of Eldorado, her mother, Elizabeth Carnery-Wright and husband Aaron of Benton, Step father, Chad and Heather Carney of Benton, brothers and sisters, Carson and Brady Watkins of Elsmere, Kentucky, Makala and Josh Schulte of Highland, Cali and Royce Harris of Marion, Trever Otterson of West Frankfort, Batista Carney of Benton and Bentley McNeely of Benton. Also surviving is his maternal grandmother, Patty Hammonds of Mt. Vernon, special friend, Holdon Marthaler of Mt. Vernon and by several aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Tom and Debbie Watkins.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Memorial donations can be made to the family to help with funeral expense and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Darlene Johnson, 93, passed away at 10:17 p.m., on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at her home in Thompsonville, IL, surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 28, 1931, to Edward and Mammie (Melvin) Kerley in Thompsonville, IL. On July 1, 1949, she married Jack George Johnson and he preceded her in death on June 15, 2018.

She attended the First Baptist Church in Thompsonville.

Darlene was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed sitting on her swing, planting flowers and watching game shows. She loved visiting with her daughter. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping, fishing and vacationing with her family. Another favorite for Darlene, was taking trips to Walmart and visiting with people she saw there.

Darlene is survived by her children, Terry Johnson and wife, Brenda, of Thompsonville, IL and Pam Wiggins of Benton, IL; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that she enjoyed visiting with.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mammie Kerley, her husband, Jack George Johnson, her son, Mike Johnson and her son-in-law, G.A. Wiggins.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Larry Miller, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Thompsonville and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Bryan Scott Hall, known to family and friends as Scott, passed away peacefully on his 54th birthday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.

Scott was born on February 18, 1971, to Jerry and Peggy (Hitt) Hall in Benton, IL.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie Fosse-Hall; his son, Blake Hall and wife, Makayla and his beloved grandson, Myles Hall. He also leaves behind his step-daughter, Peyton Fosse and her fiance, Brad Hammond; his parents, Jerry and Peggy Hall; his cherished grandmother, Ora Jean Hitt; his brother, Kevin Hall and wife, Jamie and his nephew, Christian Rawlinson.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Herbert Hitt and his paternal grandparents, Randall and Tresie Hall.

Scott had a deep love for his family and friends, always finding joy in bringing people together. He had a passion for cooking and spent many weekends competing in BBQ competitions, sharing his incredible talent and love for good food for friends and especially his Lake family.

Scott dedicated many years to coaching and mentoring young athletes. From 1991 to 1996, he coached junior high basketball and track at Benton. He then went on to coach sophomore basketball at BCHS from 1997 to 1998, the same school where he played basketball and ran track as a student. His love for sports and commitment to his players left a lasting impact on countless students.

For 14 years, Scott worked at Marion Subaru as the service and parts director, where he was known for his hard work and dedication. In his free time, he loved watching NASCAR and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, celebrating every victory with pride. Known for his great sense of humor and unwavering work ethic, Scott was not only a beloved husband, father and grandfather but also a loyal friend to many.

Scott’s presence, laughter and kindness will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Scott’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

John R. “Grassy” Graskewicz, age 75, passed away at 2:12 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Fifth Seasons Assisted Living of Benton.

Born in the city of Chicago to Adam and Aleen (Fleming) Graskewicz, John Robert Graskewicz grew up with a strong sense of duty and an enduring love for his community. A proud graduate of Frankfort Community High School in 1967, John embarked on a journey that would define his legacy—one marked by service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those around him.

John was a veteran and honorably served in the United States Army before pursuing a career in law enforcement. In 1974, he graduated from the Police Academy, launching a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement. Serving alongside his big brother, Don, with the West Frankfort Police Department before transitioning to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, he dedicated his life to protecting and serving his fellow citizens. His work left an indelible mark on Southern Illinois, earning him the respect and gratitude of colleagues and community members alike. His son, Jonathan, followed in his footsteps with a career in law enforcement. John was privileged to work side by side Jonathan on many cases, both in law enforcement and later when John served as Chief Deputy Coroner. John’s outstanding service was recognized with awards from both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. After his retirement from law enforcement in 2012, John continued his public service as Chief Deputy Coroner under Coroner Marty Leffler, where he spent an additional ten years ensuring dignity and justice for those in his care.

Before his years in law enforcement, John also worked for a decade at Old Ben Coal Mine 25, a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication to the industries that shaped Southern Illinois. John also served as a member of the board of directors for the West Frankfort Park District, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing recreational spaces and opportunities for his community.

John’s passions extended far beyond his career in public service. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a pioneer in the local sports memorabilia industry. John owned and operated Graskewicz Sports in West Frankfort—one of the first baseball card and sports memorabilia stores in Southern Illinois. His love for the game brought joy to countless fans, as he and his family and friends welcomed and hosted St. Louis Cardinals legends such as Ozzie Smith, Bob Gibson, Mike Shannon, and other Hall of Famers to meet their devoted followers. John’s commitment to the sports world was never just about collecting, it was about fostering connections, celebrating the history of the game, and sharing his enthusiasm with those around him. He also passed down his love for sports memorabilia and his passion for the St. Louis Cardinals to his son, Jonathan, creating cherished memories and a shared appreciation for the game that will live on.

Beyond his professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, John was a man of deep faith. A devout Christian, he exemplified compassion and generosity, always willing to lend a helping and humorous hand. His legacy is one of selflessness and unwavering dedication to his community.

He is survived by his wife Rita (Fitch) Graskewicz of Thompsonville, IL, his son, Jonathan (Jill) Graskewicz of West Frankfort, IL; grandchildren including: Lexi, Logan and husband Josh, Abigayle and husband Chris, Kameran, Breanna and Jackson; two great-grandchildren Lydia and Ellie; his brother, Don (Georgianne) Graskewicz of West Frankfort, IL; two sisters, Sue Jones of Tolono, IL, and Jesse Kobel of West Frankfort, IL, Rita’s daughters Wendy Becker and husband Vince of Troy, IL, Cyndi Louden and husband Travis of Middleburg, FL; along with several nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Adam and Aleen (Fleming) Graskewicz, his infant brother, Jimmy Graskewicz, nephew Jerry Jones, and brothers-in-law Larry Jones and Fred Kobel, father and mother-in-law Rev. Kenneth and Dorothy Fitch, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cord and Stacey Fitch.

John Robert Graskewicz lived a life of purpose, passion, and profound impact. Whether through his decades of public service, his contributions to the local sports community, or his unwavering kindness and faith, he left an enduring imprint on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Ronnie Shelton officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A Law Enforcement walk-through will be held at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor John’s enduring commitment to law enforcement by contributing to the John Graskewicz Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship. Through this scholarship, we seek to uphold his passion for service, ensuring that future generations of students who aspire to protect and serve Franklin County carry forward his dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Grassy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John R. Graskewicz, please visit our floral store.