Carol Joy Dillon – Benton, IL

Mrs. Carol Joy Dillon, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton.

Mrs. Dillon’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Carol was born on April 3, 1934 in Lexington, TN; the daughter of Clyde Britt and Flossie (Page) Britt. She married James Curtis Dillon on June 16, 1956 and he survives.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed watching soap operas. Her husband said she was an excellent cook.

Surviving is her loving husband of 64 years James Curtis Dillon of Benton; a sister Betsy Foley of Jackson, TN; two nieces: Amy Foley and Belinda Smith; a brother-in-law Carl Dillon; and a sister-in-law Jane Schwaze and husband Bill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Terry Lynn Dillon; a son James Eric Dillon; and two brothers Clyde and Claude Britt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Grove Cemetery Fund and may be mailed to:
Jackson Grove Cemetery Fund
c/o James Curtis Dillon
8923 Summers Road
Benton, Illinois 62812

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

David Royce Cook – Coello, IL

David Royce Cook, 63, of Coello, IL, passed away on Tuesday December 15, 2020 at his home.

He was born on January 5, 1957 in Texas City, TX to Melvin Royce and Annete Marie (Fernandez) Cook.

He is survived by his son Anthony David Estman of Box Elder, SD; one sister Carol Zingelmann of Houston, TX; two brothers Kenneth (Karen) Cook of La Marque, TX and Daniel Cook of Houston, TX; two nephews Dusten Cook and Christopher Cook; one niece Cynthia Zingelmann and one great nephew Avery Ramirez.

David will be cremated with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

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

Micheal “Mitch” Crnokrak – Coello, IL

Micheal “Mitch” Crnokrak, 87, of Coello, IL, passed aay on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Helia Healthcare in Benton, IL.

He was born on February 24, 1933 in Coello, IL to Bob and Anna (Susa) Crnokrak.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters Danny Crnokrak of Coello, Janette Robinson of Coello, Robert Crnokrak of Benton and Angeline Crnokrak of Coello; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a visitation for Mitch on Monday December 28, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. His wishes were to be cremated after the viewing and a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Face coverings and social distancing is required for attendance at the visitation per CDC guidelines.

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

Judith Rae Cockrum — Benton, Illinois

Mrs. Judith Rae Cockrum, age 79, of Benton; passed away surrounded by her loving husband and son, at 12:03 a.m. Sunday, December 20, 2020 in the Herrin Hospital.

Mrs. Cockrum’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

She was born on December 23, 1940 in Benton; the daughter of Dale A. Moore and Lois (Chaplain) Moore. Judy would marry William Robert Cockrum on July 3, 1960, and he survives.

Judy formerly worked as an optician and a hairdresser.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Christ.

Judy enjoyed singing and was a member of the “Sweet Adelines”; most of all she loved her family.

Mrs. Cockrum is survived by her loving husband of 60 years William Robert “Bob” Cockrum, Sr. of Benton; a son William Robert “Bill” Cockrum, Jr. of Knoxville, TN; her sisters and brothers-in-law: Linda Davis and husband Gary of Benton, Betty Vick of Belleville, IL, Kathy King of Benton, Curtis Cockrum and wife Rhonda of Oak Ridge, TN, and Kenneth Cockrum and wife Amy of Benton; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Sharon Bolen.

Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Judy Cockrum to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Judith Rae Cockrum; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Betty Norris – Mulkeytown, IL

Betty Norris, 90, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL.

She was born on September 11, 1930 in Mulkeytown to Russell and Blanche (McMillan) Furlow. She married Robert Norris on February 17, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 8, 1992.

She is survived by her son Mitchel Norris of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Robert (Tasha) Norris of Burlington, IA, Joseph (Tiffany) Norris of Mulkeytown, Dawn (Joe) Kowal of Natrona Heights, PA and Brandon (Brandy) McGinnis of Elkville, IL; great grandchildren Chance Norris, Antonio Parks, Ciara Parks, Aiden McGinnis and Teagan McGinnis; two brothers Elmer Lee Furlow of Meadow Brook, IL and Clyde Furlow of Mulkeytown, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters Louise Miller, Ruby Konce and Ruth Watson and two brothers Robert Furlow and Raymond Furlow.

Graveside services for Betty will be on Thursday December 24, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Rusty Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical District. Envelopes will be available at the graveside service.

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

Karole Kaye Gunter-West Frankfort, IL

Karole Kaye Gunter, 79, of West Frankfort, passed away on December 19, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on February 23, 1941 in LeClaire, IA to Orville and Gladys (Shannon) Cade.

She is survived by her children Tammie Kirkpatrick of West Frankfort and Thomas B. (Robin) Gunter of Christopher; grandchildren Erik Trusty, Todd Denton, Jamie Denton, David Gunter, Thomas Gunter and Autumn Gunter; 10 great grandchildren; four sisters Sylvia Harrell of Algonquin, IL, Chich Strathmann of Elgin, IL, Kelly Duncan of Elgin, IL and Kristi Castillo of Elgin, IL

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Frank P. Moschino – Coello, IL

Frank Pete Moschino, 87, of Coello, IL passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones on December 19, 2020.

Frank was born in Coello to Madeline (Ubaudi) and Eugene Moschino on November 4, 1933. He graduated from Christopher High School in 1952 and was an Army Korean War veteran. He married the late Betty Rogers on March 20, 1966. Frank was an avid farmer and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher, American Legion Post #528, and the Brotherhood Torinese Mutual Benefit and Benevolent Society Lodge #8 Columbian Federation. Frank enjoyed farming, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, and playing bocce ball in a local league.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Rogers) Moschino in 2014; his parents; daughter Lorrie Johnston; granddaughters Ashley Biggs and Nicole (Sahlin)Washington; and brother Pete Moschino.

He leaves loving memories to be cherished by his loving children Angela (Brent) Gossett of Coello, Kathy Esposito of Coello, and Richard Johnston of Benton; his grandchildren Chasity Shaffer of Christopher, Lorrie (Adam) Horton of Paducah, KY, Emily (Payton) Clark of Herrin, IL, Rachael and Keenan Johnston of DuQuoin, IL, Madeline and Grace Gossett of Coello, IL; great-grandchildren Savannah, Grant, and Ashley Shaffer of Christopher, IL, Amber (Paul) Whitt of Christopher, IL, Wardell Williams of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jayla Williams and Brittany Washington of Coello, IL, Jude Crawford and Gabriel Horton of Paducah, KY, Adlee Clark of Herrin, IL and Zuri Swarthout-Yopp of Charlotte, NC; brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to visitation at Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 8:00 – 10:30 AM. Because of the threat of Covid, the family respectfully requests visitors wear masks to protect those that may have compromised immune systems or other health concerns.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Christopher or Residential Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Betty May Goriesky – Benton, Illinois

Mrs. Betty May Goriesky, age 92, of Benton; passed away at 9:35 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 at her home.

She was born on March 26, 1928 in Iron River, Michigan; the daughter of Axle Adolph Benson and Isabelle (Ladoux) Benson. She would marry James Peter Goriesky on June 24, 1950, and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2008.

Mrs. Goriesky was a former retail salesclerk having worked with JC Penney, Brodies Coat Factory and Ackermans, department stores.

She loved to travel, especially anywhere she could find a beach. She enjoyed listening to Dean Martin music; but most of all, she loved spending time with her grandbabies.

Mrs. Goriesky is survived by her daughter Michelle K. Miller and companion Steve Dethrow of Benton, Illinois; a son Dan Goriesky of Ridgecrest, California; two grandchildren: Alyssa Goriesky and Sebastian Goriesky; a great-grandchild Erik Goriesky; a sister Bonnie Christianson of Indiana, a brother Jack Benson of Iron River, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two children: James Peter Goriesky and Andrea Janet Goriesky, a son-in-law Nicholas Lynn Miller, and two siblings: Dorothy Kalata and Jerry Benson.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Evelyn Hill-Sesser, IL

Evelyn C. (Earnheart) Hill, 96, of Sesser, Illinois passed away on December 17, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Evelyn was born August 8, 1924 in Johnston City, Illinois to Rachel Georgia (Penrod) Earnheart and William Lester Earnheart. She married Farrell Ray Hill on February 21, 1943.

Left to cherish Evelyn’s memory are her two children, Carol Burgess of Springfield, Illinois, and Gene (Diane) Hill of Mount Carmel, Illinois; one sibling, Barbara Price; four grandchildren Jeffery (Melony) Burgess, Kimberly (William T. Jr.) Fish, Nicholas Hill, and Margaret (Brandon McClain) Hill; seven great-grandchildren Amanda (Brandon) Workman, Rachel (Corey) Monroe, Chandler Burgess, Jamie Burgess, Dalton Hill, Jocelyn Hill, and Cooper Hill; and three great-great-grandchildren Elana Workman, Brycen Workman, and Piper Monroe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Raymond Earnheart and Bill Earnheart, grandson Nathaniel Hill, and son-in-law Joe Burgess. Evelyn attended high school at Christopher High School and later attended business school in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent many years working at local garment factories. Evelyn enjoyed spending time with her church families at First Baptist Church in Sesser and Eastview Baptist Church in Springfield. Most of all Evelyn loved her family, and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an excellent baker, cook, and seamstress. Evelyn also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and traveling and playing cards with her family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church in Sesser or Eastview Baptist Church in Springfield.

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

Wilma Fay Booker – Bonnie, IL

Wilma Fay Booker, age 83, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior; surrounded by her son David, pastor Don,
granddaughter Emily, and best friend Debbie; at 11:47 a.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, December 21, 2020 at Jackson Grove Baptist Church of Benton, with Pastor Don Bullard officiating. Burial will follow in the Jackson Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday at the Jackson Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Due to Health Concerns related to COVID-19: Visitation and Funeral services are limited to 10 people at one time; facial coverings are required; and social distancing should be observed. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Wilma Fay was born on April 29, 1937 in Franklin County; the daughter of Raymond Summers and Clara (Carter) Summers. She married James William Booker on June 3, 1957, and he preceded her in death on January 5, 2007.
She was a homemaker. Most of all she enjoyed babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mrs. Booker was a member of the Jackson Grove Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving are two sons: David W. Booker and wife Mona of West Frankfort, James B. Booker of Benton; six grandchildren: Kevin Rich, Amanda Rusher, Amber Minor, Jimmy Booker, Emily Arnett, and Morgan Booker; a great-grandchild Rowan Rich; two sisters: Juanita Barlow and Donna McEndree; a son-in-law Clay Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her daughter Patricia Anderson; and a sister Lou Ellen Denham.

Memorial contributions in memory of Wilma Fay Booker, may be made to the Jackson Grove Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral services.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News