Christopher- Nancy Jo Jamerson, 66, of Christopher, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 28, 2024 at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton.

Nancy was born on June 12, 1958 in Mulkeytown to Bobby and Caroline (Norris) Conner.

She was a believer in Jesus Christ and a former member of Greenwood Methodist Church, where her mother spent many Sunday services playing the piano. She spent over 20 years working at Jamerson Auto Sales in Benton, where she was the office administrator. She always found time to run her beloved children to the many different sports and event they participated in and was their biggest cheerleader.

In her spare time she enjoyed watching “Criminal Minds” and “The Golden Girls”. She was an animal lover and spent many years caring for her beloved Dachshund “Lucy”. She loved listening to music and had a wide variety of favorites from Brooks and Dunn to Fleetwood Mac. Her best memories were made in the kitchen, where she would prepare dinner for the holidays and celebrations spent with her family. She will always be remembered for her famous “Cheese Ball Spread”.

Survivors include her children- Edward Jamerson III and wife Bre of New Branfels, TX, Anthony Jamerson and wife Lexi of Benton, Laura Wilkerson and husband Shane of Benton, Bill Jamerson of Sesser and Bonnie Jamerson of Benton; eight grandchildren- Ezekiel, Caleb, Karter, Lily, Maggie, Rowen, Alyssa and Michael; siblings- Marion Conner and Neoma of Florence, AL, Pamela Hampton and Paul of Gulfport, MS, Dixie Conner of Mulkeytown, Valery Susan Keefe and David of Aurora, CO and Colleen Kay Freeman and David of Gainsville, GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother- Doyle Conner.

A memorial visitation will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10-11AM, Wednesday July 3, 2024. A graveside memorial service will follow at Ward Cemetery officiated by Rev. Larry Cook. Memorial Arrangements were entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Memorial donations are suggested to the ASPCA and will be accepted at Gilbert Funeral Home/ 209 N. Emma/ Christopher, IL 62822.

For more information, please visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Cathy Joann Garrett, age 67, of Benton and formerly of Sheldon, Illinois, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at her home.

Cathy was born on December 12, 1956, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the daughter of Noel J. Bull and Lois G. (Johnson) Bull.

She formerly worked as a laborer in a factory. In the most recent years, she was known for her abilities of buying and selling through E-Bay, which she thoroughly enjoyed working.

Cathy enjoyed antiques, watching movies, color by number painting, cross stitching and watching crime scene television. She enjoyed collecting, her collections included Barbies, Trolls, Glassware and Salt and Pepper shakers. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are two children: David Tenbroeke of Benton, Illinois, and Heather Woods and husband Kenny of Watseka, Illinois; grandchildren: Robekka Tenbroeke and fiance’ James Martin, Gabrielle Pendergast and husband Skylar, Brianna Stampfli, Jacqueline McCullough, Laci Woods; great-grandchildren: Prudence Pendergast, Ivy Pendergast, Ezra Cromie, Chloe Lindgren, Jaxton Morgan, Rosaline McGahan, Samuel McGahan; a sister Mari Griggs and husband Ron of Watseka, IL, and a brother Mark Bull of Buck Creek, Indiana; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Lori Hicks; a brother Charles Bull.

Her wishes are to be cremated. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Stephen Andrew Lewis, 44, of Benton, died June 22, 2024. He was born to Bob and Becky (Smith) Lewis. Stephen was extremely bright and had many talents. He was an Eagle Scout, an accomplished saxophone player, and a doting uncle. Stephen was Valedictorian of his class at Benton Consolidated High School where he was a member of the band, the jazz band, and scholar bowl team, as well as participating in math and science competitions. His senior year, he won First Place in the WYSE Physics competition.

Stephen graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University with degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Flight. He attained the rank of Captain as a commercial airline pilot. He was a Certified Flight Instructor and aviation technical writer.

Stephen was an avid traveler and adventurer. He loved zip lining and once did a parachute jump from an airplane to celebrate his birthday.

Using Rosetta Stone, he became fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. On two separate occasions, he spent several months in Brazil working at a hostel while immersing himself in Brazilian culture and perfecting his Portuguese. He spent time with a Brazilian friend in Ireland, England, Belgium, Luxemburg, France and The Netherlands.

Another trip took him to Russia to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. He rode the Tans-Siberian Railroad across Russia to Siberia where he swam in Lake Baikal. He continued on to Mongolia where he stayed in a Yurt and rode horses on the Mongolian Plains before traveling through China.

He returned to South America two more times, this time to perfect his Spanish. The first trip lasted 3 months and included Uruguay, Argentina and Chile, including touring Patagonia all the way to the southern tip of the Western Hemisphere. The Second trip lasted several months and included touring Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

Stephen also travelled widely in the United States and Canada.

Stephen is survived by his parents; his sister Natalie (Jake) Magnuson; his brother Richard (Vanessa) Lewis; his niece, Sophia Magnuson; his nephews, Will Magnuson, Asher Lewis, and Eli Holman; his aunt Linda (Bill Fisher) Lewis; his uncles, Tom (Judy) Smith and Billy (Cathy) Smith; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wayne and Mary Alice Lewis, and Tom and Jeannine Smith.

A private graveside service will be held with interment at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Memorial Contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance’s summer lunch program.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.

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

Jamy Jo (Odle) Corn, 40, of Benton passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by her friends & family.

Jamy was born in West Frankfort, IL on February 23, 1984 the daughter of Dennis & Gwineva (McClintock) Odle.
Jamy is survived by:
3 Children:
Tanner Corn of Benton
Spencer Alderson of Benton
Jaylah Alderson of Benton
3 Sisters:
Amy Mitchell of Benton
Miki Atchison of Sesser
Amanda Odle of Sarasota, FL
Fiancé: Scotty Coleman of Benton
Father of Jaylah & Spencer: Dustin Alderson of Benton
2 Nieces:
Denni Durbin
Macy Fee
Nephew: Adan Te
Several Cousins
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Nephew-Baylen and her Grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 28th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Roger L. Kuerth, age 70, of Centralia, IL, departed his worldly home on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Roger was born on February 9, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the son of Aquilla Jacob “A.J.” Kuerth and Wilma Louise (Dale) Kuerth, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a sister Donna Setzekorn.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Claude Howell officiating. Burial will follow. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Roger graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1988 with a degree in mortuary science. His life consisted of service to others. During his career, he was affiliated with several funeral homes throughout Illinois.

Roger believed in integrity and practiced it no matter the situation.

He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, cars, gardening and woodworking.

Roger is survived by his children Jennifer, Jessica and Jacob; a sister Barbara Dare (Herb); beloved companion Celeste; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He married Janice Trammel on August 18, 1979, and they were married for 32 years. She also survives.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to an animal shelter or humane society of the donor’s choice.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.

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

Jamie Lynn Neal, 70, of Benton, IL, passed away on Wednesday morning June 19, 2024 at StoneBridge Memory Care in Mt. Vernon. IL.

She was born in Christopher, IL on March 19, 1954 the daughter of James & Pat (Ponsetti) Rea.

She married James E. “Jim” Neal on April 11, 1981.

Jamie was a loving Wife, Mother & Grandmother. Her granddaughters called her “Nona”. She was an avid reader and very competitive and loved going to the beach and picking up seashells. Jamie spent 35 years in the Benton School System starting in 1977 and retiring in 2010. She was a special educator and then Principal. Jamie had many friends and was active in several social groups.

Jamie is survived by her:
Husband: James E. “Jim” Neal of Benton
Daughter: Abby Kathalynas & husband Tim of Benton
Son: Adam Neal & wife Sue of West Frankfort
2 Granddaughters: Harlynn Rea & Brynn Louise
Sister-in-law: Ilana Ing of Benton
Nephew: Jason (Kemi) Ing
Niece: Mikala (John) Wilder
Many loving Cousins
Jamie was preceded in death by her Parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 22nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

The Family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to StoneBridge Memory Care in Mt. Vernon for the love that was shown to Jamie and her family.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhom.com

Bob Furlow, 84, of Christopher, IL passed away on June 16, 2024 at his home. He was born on April 9, 1940 in Bugtussle, IL to Joseph M. and Effie M. (Lundsford) Furlow. He married Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow on August 2, 1959. She preceded him in death on May 5, 1995.

Bob owned and operated Christopher Bowlin’s Foodland with his brother Bill Furlow for many years. When Bill retired, he sold his share of the store to Bobby Joe. Bob and Bobby Joe continued to operate the hometown grocery store. He was extremely proud that Bobby took over the family business. Countless family members and local residents worked at the store over the years. Bob enjoyed talking to former employees about their time working there.

Bob was a devoted family man who loved to host get togethers with family and friends for holidays, birthdays, or just any good excuse to party. Having 30-40 guests for Thanksgiving dinner was a normal occurrence. Camping, boating, fishing, and riding in his side by side with his faithful companion Jasper were some of his favorite pastimes. Stories from Wednesday catfishing trips at Rend Lake and trips to Lake Okeechobee were quite entertaining. Camping in his motorhome or on the banks of the big muddy or the pond in his pop up camper were also favorite memories. If you were going to tend the fire, better not burn his poker stick!

Bob is survived by his children Lisa (Roger) Griffith, Debra (Greg) Davison, Linda (James) Eaton, Bobby Furlow, and bonus daughter Jamie Myers. His grandchildren, Andrea (Chad) Beltz, Dr. Jamie Davison and husband Dr. Chad Link, David Patchett and wife Dr. Jin Park, Julie (TC Eovaldi) Bullock, Mitch (Amy) Griffith, Jacob (Haley) Eaton. Great grandchildren, Brandon Isom, Stephanie (Austin Walker) Isom, Allyssa Bullock, Gavin Beltz, Ella Bullock, Brennan Link, Kathryn Link, Tristan Link, Anna Bullock, Logan Patchett, Brynn Patchett, Lucas Eaton, Archer Eaton, and 1 great-great grandson, Waylon Wayne Walker. His is also survived by his “sweetheart” Linda Roberts, one brother Bill Furlow, sisters-in-law Carol Aronson and Sandra Williams. His memory will live on with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Darrel Dean Furlow and Harold Wayne Furlow, sisters-in-law Mary Furlow, Betty Furlow, and Jean Furlow.

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on June 29, 2024 at the Show Room Event Center, 117 W. Market, St, Christopher, Il. A private burial will be held at a later date.

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

James Edward Lindhurst, age 62, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home.

James was born on January 1, 1962, in Kirkwood, Missouri, the son of Frank Ernest Lindhurst and Harriet Louise (Crossett) “Penny” Lindhurst.

He worked as a laborer with Laborer’s Local 773 of Marion, Illinois.

James was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benton Boneyard Boccie Ball Club.

His enjoyments included St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, and watching NASCAR. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon and the #24 Dupont car. He also loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is a daughter Tiffany Talley of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Trenton Talley, Delaney Carlton and Brantley Carlton; a sister Judy Melugin of Las Vegas, NV; three brothers: Steven DeMoranville, David Lindhurst, Tommy Walden; two nieces: Haleigh Melugin and Melissa Lindhurst; and his cat RJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes are to be cremated with a Memorial Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

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