Rhonda Skurat, 71, of Christopher, passed away on February 15, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on March 8, 1949 in Christopher to Stanley and Betty (Snider) Gossett.

She is survived by her two sons Davis (Kim) Skurat of Dieterich, IL and Jodie (Stephanie) Skurat of Sesser; three grandchildren Bryton Musgrave, Hannah Skurat and Zachary Avery and one sister Sandra Gossett of Carbondale;

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Debra Gossett and one brother Jerry Gossett.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

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

Leon Edgar Delaval, 88, of Christopher, passed away on February 12, 2021 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

He was born on March 12, 1932 in Christopher to Leon and Hortense (Lenglin) Delaval. He was united in marriage on January 7, 1974 to Mathel (Gordon) Reed. She preceded him in death on October 17, 2014.

He is survived by his daughter Trudi Boldrey (Steve House) and step-children Beverly (Carl) Smith, Gary (Marilyn) Reed, Brenda (Bruce) Armstrong, Bill (Cheryl) Reed, Ralph (Michelle) Reed, James (Ashley) Reed, Janet (Richard) Buckmaster and Ida (Roger) Murry; one brother Edgar (Donna) Delaval; one sister Sandy (Joe) Mucinski and several grandchildren and great grandchildren that he loved dearly.

Leon took pride in his community service as an assistant fire chief for the Coello Fire Department. He received a plaque for 50 years of service. He was a genuine person and was loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mathel, daughter Rita Lynn and a brother Joe Delaval.

Funeral services for Leon will be on Wednesday February 17, 2021 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Steve House officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Leandra Wilson, 62, of Sesser, passed away on February 8, 2021 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on October 11, 1958 in Christopher, IL.

She is survived by her aunt Donna Frye of Sesser and several cousins.

Leandra was the librarian for the Sesser Library.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Ann (Wilson) Howard.

A memorial visitation will be on Wednesday February 17, 2021 from 2:00 Pm until 3:00 Pm at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

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

Eric Leon Hammonds, 55, of Herrin, passed away on Friday February 12, 2021 at his home.

He was born on May 17, 1965 to Jessie Leon and Paula (Preston) Hammonds. He is survived by his mother Paula Hammonds of Christopher; two children that he loved very much, Brittany Hammonds of Christopher and Derick (Morgan) Hammonds of Christopher; one sister Sandy Skurat of Herrin and her child Alex.

He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and had worked at General Tire. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday February 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery. 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

Betty Bowman, 84, of Benton passed away Friday, February 12, 2021 in Mt. Vernon with her family by her side.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 19, 1936 the daughter of Hobart and Estelle (Bray) Williams.
She was married to Marion “Spank” Bowman and he preceded her in death on February 21, 2019.

She attended New Life Church of God in Benton.

Mrs. Bowman is survived by her daughter, Sherry Howard, of Splendora, TX; son Steve Bowman, and wife Teresa of Bonnie, IL; grandsons Joshua Bowman, and wife Bri of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Brandon Howard, of San Angelo, TX and Travis Howard, and wife Brooklyn, of Splendora, TX; great-grandchildren Chaye Davidson, Tate Howard and Thomas Howard.
Daughter: Sherry Howard of Splendora, TX

Mrs. Bowman was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Patsy Mabry.

Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday February 14th at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Rod Joplin officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and masks are recommended.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Jerry “Eddie” Edmund Doty II, 50, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at his residence.

He was born on April 24, 1970, to Ed and Sue (House) Doty at Franklin Hospital in Benton. Eddie was a 1988 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. After graduating, he completed an apprenticeship program through the National Electrical Contractors Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.

Eddie was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 702 and Elks Lodge 1234, Benton. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and enjoyed spending time with his family and his pet dog, Casey. Eddie loved the outdoors and nature.

He is survived by his parents, Ed and Sue Doty; sister, Tammy Doty-Martin and Jeff Lonnon; two nephews, Hagan Schneider and Lucas Martin; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A private service will be held at the funeral home for his family with the Rev. Kurt Sanders officiating.

A public celebration of life will be held at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, February 20, 2021, at the Benton Elks Lodge 1234, 167 Industrial Park Road, Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Elks National Foundation and the Franklin County Humane Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Gene Dorris, 91, of Johnston City passed away Wednesday morning February 10, 2021 in Benton.

He was born March 20, 1929 in Marion, IL the son of Freeman & Verbal (Moake) Dorris.

Gene married Frances Elizabeth (Warren) and she preceded him in death.

Mr. Dorris was a retired cross-country truck driver. He was a member of the West City Church of God.

Mr. Dorris is survived by his companion, Thelma Norris, Benton, IL; grandson, Trevor; granddaughter Cody and his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Thelma’s two daughters, son-in-law and two granddaughters.

Mr. Dorris was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son and brother.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 13th at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be after 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and masks are recommended.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Trevia Maxine Smith, age 77, of Benton; passed away at 4:26 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at her home.

Maxine’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

Trevia Maxine Smith was born on March 2, 1943 in Zeigler, IL; the daughter of Clinton Bradshaw and Lottie (Curd) Bradshaw. She married Dale “Punk” Smith on March 19, 1958, and he preceded her in death on June 23, 2004.

Her working career consisted of working at Crownline, Celebrity and Mariah Boat Factories; and she also formerly worked at the Sun Tan Shack.

Maxine enjoyed going to rummage sales, crafts, and just loved to work.

She is survived by a daughter Robin Thomas of Benton; two granddaughters Mica Thomas of Benton, Megan Robinson and husband Aaron of Benton; six great-grandchildren: Dominic Cason Thomas, Oliver Ray Robinson, Lucas Aaron Robinson, Peyton Robinson, Samantha Jo Smith, Mia Maxine Amonitte; a brother Louie Bradshaw and wife Rosalie of Spokane, WA; and several nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a son Walter “Billy” Smith who died June 6, 2020.

Memorial contributions may be made to Robin Thomas to assist with Maxine’s cremation services.

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

Phyllis Jean Davis, 89, of Benton, passed away at 12:50 p.m., on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 3, 1931, to John and Bonnie (Harpe) Doty in Benton. On August 21, 1948, she married Willard Lee Davis and he survives.

She was a member of Middle Fork-Salem Primitive Baptist Church.

Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved reading, cooking and gardening. Phyllis enjoyed singing blue grass music and playing her guitar. She was recognized by the Smithsonian Institute of Music. Phyllis and her blue grass band were honored to be invited and to play in Washington at the National Wall.

She is survived by her loving spouse of 72 years, Willard, her son, Jim Davis; two grandchildren, Tyler Davis and Janee (Scott) Johnson and two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Mattis.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, John Edward and Bonnie Lee Doty, infant daughter, Rebecca Davis, and brother, Edmond Leslie Doty.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at the Jackson Grove Cemetery, 9054 Bessie Rd., Benton, IL, with the Rev. Larry Miller, officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lois Irene Joplin, 94, of Benton, went to be with the Lord, at 4:46 p.m., on Friday, February 5, 2021, at Fifth Season Assisted Living in Benton, surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 9, 1926, to the Rev. Everett and Elsie (Shoemaker) Kerce in High Springs, FL. On July 13, 1947, she married the Rev. Walter D. Joplin and he preceded her in death.

Irene was an active member of New Life Church of God in Benton. She previously served alongside her husband for 29 years as pastor of the Park Avenue Church of God, Herrin, IL. She volunteered for many years as a pianist at four senior care facilities in the community. She was also a well-loved member of Curves on the Benton Public Square.

Irene is survived by her loving sons, Rod (Patricia) Joplin of Benton and Tim Joplin of Cape Girardeau, MO; two grandchildren, Jeremy Joplin and Lindsey (Seth) Bumpus and three great-grandsons, Landon Bumpus, Kohen Bumpus and Brogan Bumpus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. E. O. and Elsie Mae Kerce, her husband, the Rev. Walter D. Joplin, two sisters, Lavera Humphries and Betty Roberts and one brother, Everett Odin Kerce.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Life of Church of God, 707 N. Du Quoin St. in Benton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at the New Life Church of God in Benton, with the Rev. A. Ted Anderson and the Rev. Mark Joplin, officiating.

Graveside services will take place on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to New Life Church of God and will be accepted at the church.

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